This past Saturday, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio held its third dedication ceremony for 2009.
It’s June in San Antonio and to be quite honest, I was not looking forward to the event in the 100+ degree weather we’ve been having lately. But once I got there, the heat didn’t matter. It wasn’t because I didn’t sweat, because I did. It really had nothing to do with me or HFHSA. It was because of the people that were there that I got lost – well, I hate to sound cliché, but I got lost in the moment.
As usual, the event was great. I always love talking to the families and hearing their wor
ds of excitement as they cross the stage to receive their Bible and symbolic toolboxes. They always look so excited knowing that their homes are complete and move-in day is just a short wait away. Often times, the families, Habitat staff and volunteers in attendance are in tears before the event is over – it’s that moving and Saturday was no exception.
“This program has helped my family and I achieve our dream which would have taken us so much longer to do on our own,” an emotional homeowner told the crowd as she spoke on behalf of the seven families celebrating the completion of their homes that day.
Her story is 
made even more touching knowing a little about her background. In her early 20s, this homeowner has already taken the primary lead in her small family. As a single mom, she cares for her own 10-month-old son, her 17-year-old sister and her mother, who suffers from paralysis -- all the while attending college and working full time. She talks of wanting to give back to her family and of wanting to do it on her own. This is just one of many examples of the hardworking families who come to HFHSA looking for something different and better for their families. I’ve probably said it numerous times in this blog, but I can’t think of a better way to phrase it -- they want a “hand up, not a hand out.”
That’s what these dedications are about. We brave the heat in the summer and the rare cold weather in the winter to go out and celebrate with these families. Celebrate their victories in achieving homeownership and celebrate the beginning of a successful journey into the benefits of owning their own home. We celebrate the hundreds and thousands of volunteers, who along with the sponsors and individual donors who contribute financially to HFHSA, continue to make our mission possible.
If you haven’t had a chance to attend one of our dedication ceremonies, please do so. Our last two dedications for 2009 are set for 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
For more photos of Saturday’s dedication ceremony, please visit our Picasa web gallery.
By Shelly, HFHSA staff