Kelley Hathaway's advice for Habitat for Humanity affiliates considering applying for a Thrivent Builds grant? "Go for it. It is one of the most rewarding opportunities they’ll ever come across. There will be challenges, but these can be overcome. It’s well worth it."

It is one of the most rewarding opportunities they’ll ever come across.

Helping those who help themselves

More than six years ago, Kelley Hathaway applied for her job as the administrative assistant for the Lenawee County, Michigan, Habitat for Humanity affiliate at the urging of her husband, who had volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Ohio.  She has been there ever since.

In the spring of 2005, she became project leader for the Thrivent Builds home built in Morenci, Michigan.  The affiliate broke ground for the home in the spring and finished it by the end of November 2005.

The need for affordable housing in Kelley’s community is vast.  “More than 100 people are on our orientation list, but we normally build only one or two houses each year,” Kelley says.  “That tells you what the need is.”

The Thrivent Builds program has had a big impact on the affiliate.  “The program definitely helped our affiliate build capacity,” she says.  “We would never have done four homes this year if it hadn’t been for the program.”

Finding volunteers to work on a house has often been a struggle.  According to Kelley, “The Thrivent Builds program was a great help in bringing in enough volunteers.  We gained some new regular volunteers.  Through this project, we’ve met so many remarkable people.  It’s been awesome that way.”

Her advice for other affiliates considering applying for a Thrivent Builds oroject?  “Go for it.  It is one of the most rewarding opportunities they’ll ever come across.  There will be challenges, but these can be overcome.  It’s well worth it.”