Justin will purchase the Habitat for Humanity home in Saco for himself and his daughter Willow
Dear Friend,
As the holiday season approaches, we are filled with gratitude for you. Thanks to the generous support of our community—of you—we have been able to increase our housing production despite rising costs. This year, three families will spend their first holidays in the walls you helped build. 19 seniors are safer and warmer in their homes thanks to Habitat’s Aging in Place program. Whether you helped to literally build a home, donated funds, shopped, volunteered or donated to the ReStore, without you, Habitat could not do this life changing work. Thank you.
With your partnership, we will continue to grow our impact in York County, even in the face of current challenges. As the need for affordable housing has drastically risen in York County, so has the cost to construct homes and provide services. Since 2019, our cost to build a modest, 3-bedroom home has increased by 70%.
As safe, affordable housing remains out of reach for so many in York County, Habitat remains deeply committed to increasing our impact. In 2025, we plan to complete 4 affordable homes to be sold to low-income households in Saco and Sanford. In addition to our homeownership program, we will provide aging in place services to 36
low-income seniors.
This year we had the pleasure of meeting Justin, and his daughter Willow. Justin will purchase his first home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Earlier this year he shared what becoming a homeowner will mean to his family.
“Moving to Saco will mean a serene place to start each day and a safe place to relax at night. A place that is going to be full of laughter, joy and love. A place conducive to learning and teaching about landscape design, gardening, caring for the land, plus so much more! Moving to a place with a distinguished education system guaranteeing a bright future for Willow and peace of mind for Justin. Moving to Saco will mean a place to call home.”
Not only does homeownership provide stability for him and his young daughter, it affords him the ability to continue working within the community, further bettering himself and others.
We can’t build homes without your help.
This holiday season will you give your biggest and best gift yet?
In partnership,
Amy Nucci
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity York County
Impacts of Homeownership
Vicki purchased her home in 1998
Those home seeds planted so long ago by Habitat, now bear fruit. With its pink dogwood tree and roses in bloom, it’s a happy little homestead. I am also now a delighted Grandmother to seven grandkids, who call me Honey (rather than Gram) and refer to our home as ‘The Hive.’ (I get Bee gifts from them all the time!) It’s fitting because the house is often abuzz with their energy.
On summer nights, when we have our little campfires, they play flashlight hide and seek and look for fireflies. They know that the Teepee Tent hanging from another tree is the best place to read a book and they have come to know my neighborhood as well as their own. As my then 7-year-old granddaughter Phoebe once said, ‘I know it’s your house, but it feels like mine too. I keep my extra memories here!” Home is more than a house, but it certainly starts with one.
Let’s build some more futures for dozens of people we haven’t yet met!
Vicki Kent, Habitat for Humanity Homeowner
Ways to Support Habitat’s Affordable Housing Mission
Become a Habitat for Humanity Donor: Donors can make a contribution on Habitat’s website, mail us a check or fill out the enclosed remittance envelope. You can make a donation from your IRA or Donor Advised Fund. You can also set up a monthly donation.
Leave a Lasting Legacy: Make Habitat for Humanity York County part of your future plans. Include Habitat in your will or trust. You can also make us the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(K) or other retirement plan.
Become a Volunteer: Volunteers are the backbone of Habitat for Humanity York County. We wouldn’t be able to build homes or operate the ReStore without the support of our community. We have volunteer opportunities on the build site and at the ReStore. For more information please email: program@habitatyorkcounty.org
Kennebunk ReStore: All proceeds from the Kennebunk ReStore support Habitat’s affordable housing mission. Donate your gently used furniture and home goods to the ReStore. Donations can be dropped off at ReStore on 123 York Street in Kennebunk. The ReStore offers free donation pick up throughout York County.
Habitat for Humanity Car Donation Program: Habitat’s car donation program accepts almost all vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, farm equipment and construction equipment. If you want to donate a vechicle please visit www.habitatyorkcounty.org/donateacar
Donate or Sell Land to Habitat: Land acquisition is a costly piece of the home building process. A top priority of Habitat is to identify and secure land for future projects. When you donate or sell affordable land to Habitat for Humanity you are making a lasting impact on our community.
Host a Fundraiser: Hosting a third-party fundraiser is a great way to give back to your community! Supporters have raised funds through organized dress‐down days, school‐wide spirit events, bake sales, and carwashes. You can get can get creative! Reach out to discuss some ideas.
Become A Habitat Hope Builder
Habitat Hope Builders are a special group of our most valued partners dedicated to helping families in need of safe, affordable housing in their communities and around the world.
Hope Builders make small, automatic donations every month, which makes it easier for Habitat to plan long-term, budget more efficiently and create more life-changing outcomes. You choose how much to give and for how long, and you can change your amount or cancel at any time.
Make a difference with your returnables!
CLYNK is the only redemption system that enables you to drop off bags of redeemable containers in 30 seconds or less, right at your local grocery store, saving you time because it’s quick and convenient
Stop by the Kennebunk ReStore to pick up Habitat CLYNK bags, or have your CLYNK account donated to us monthly!
Did you know by donating your vehicle to Habitat you can help build and repair affordable homes while also helping the environment?
Since launching the national vehicle donation program, Cars for Homes, in 2005, Habitat has accepted over 120,000 vehicles for reselling or recycling, raising funds for Habitat to partner with local families to build stability and security that a safe affordable home allows.
We make it fast and easy to donate a vehicle and you may qualify for a tax deduction.
Host a Fundraising event to benefit Habitat for Humanity
Are you hosting a holiday party, cookie swap or game night this winter?
Consider asking your guests for a small donation to our Habitat affiliate instead of accepting hostess/host gift. We are happy to help you brainstorm some ideas and provide some resources to make your event a success, reach out to us at development@habitatyorkcounty.org