Unique dedications are Habitat celebrations

Almost every month, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity hosts home dedication celebrations. But what is a dedication, really?

I think the best answer is that they are different things to different people. For homebuyers, a dedication is a chance to celebrate the fact they will soon move into their new home. For construction staff, volunteers and sponsors, it’s a time to see the fruits of their gifts and labors. For neighbors, officials and community members, it can serve as an opportunity to welcome new families into their communities and learn more about Habitat.

Each dedication is a little bit different. Some dedications are large and others are small. The same can be said for families and communities. Sponsors and volunteers come from many places: companies, congregations, schools, families.

Last weekend brought two distinct dedications: one for a rehab home sponsored by Ecolab, a longtime corporate sponsor, and another for a home sponsored by the Baller family in memory of Jim Baller, a dedicated Habitat volunteer. But each dedication is special because of the coming together of people from across the Twin Cities to celebrate a great event: families moving into affordable homes.

My all-time favorite part of dedications are the homebuyers’ children. For many of them, a dedication is the first time they really realize their family will be moving into a beautiful new home. Their pure joy, often marked by jumping, yelling and rolling around on the floor, is very moving. It’s also one of the clearest illustrations of why Habitat’s mission is important: it gives these children and their families a fresh start.

Next month we are hosting dedications in Crystal, Shakopee and Woodbury that include a LEED certified home, a single family home, and several large townhomes. I am sure each of the dedications, like each group of families, volunteers, and sponsors, will have their own unique combination of reasons to celebrate.

Whatever your connection to Habitat, you are always invited to attend our home dedications. Check our website for information on upcoming dates and past celebrations. We hope to see you there!

By Sarah Hutson, Events Assistant, Twin Cities Habitat