They build new lives for families. Now they need your help

The local Habitat for Humanity helps families in need become homeowners.

It also does more than that, its new leader said.

Through our work “we have the opportunity to break that viscous cycle of poverty and change a family’s story for generations to come,” said Theresa Richardson, interim executive director.

The organization is looking for the community’s help to keep that up.

Money is tight as the nonprofit works to cover both construction costs and day-to-day operating expenses, so it’s launched a holiday fundraising campaign, “Give Something that Means Something.”

Community members are invited to make donations in the name of friends and/or loved ones, and Habitat will send the recipient a personalized card to mark the gift.

The local Habitat has four homes under construction now, with 10 more in planning stages.

Richardson was executive director of the local Habitat for about a decade, leading it through a time of growth.

She stepped down in 2013 to live abroad. But she’s back now, and she volunteered to serve as the interim director after the former executive, Lisa Godwin, left last month.

“We are so fortunate to have Ms. Richardson return to the Habitat family,” said Doug Hamrick, board president, in a statement. He praised Richardson’s leadership skills.

Richardson said she’s glad to be back helping Habitat in its important work.

She told a story about meeting a young boy at a home dedication in the Adelia Court neighborhood in Pasco.

The boy, who looked to be about 10, stepped up to the front door, his hand hovering near the doorbell.

“He stopped all of sudden, like he was in trouble,” Richardson recalled. “I said, ‘Tell me, is this going to be your home?’ ”

The boy said that it was, and Richardson asked him what that meant to him.

He had a sweet, simple reply: “I’ve always wanted to have a home where I could ring the doorbell,” he said.

“That gives you a glimpse of how special these homes are to these families,” Richardson said.

To take part in Habitat’s campaign or learn more, go to habitatbuilds.com or call 509-943-5555.

This story was originally published December 13, 2017 at 6:17 PM with the headline "They build new lives for families. Now they need your help."