The spring day was nothing but blue skies and cheers on April 21, 2024 when Evergreen Habitat for Humanity welcomed community members to join in celebrating the next two Habitat homeowners of Johnson Village.

As the Johnson Village subdivision nears completion, two homeowners were excited to be handed over their keys to their new home. Karla, along with her two daughters, walked into her home that was funded by the Evergreen Habitat's Faith Build Committee. During the moment in which Karla shared her story with locals that joined the festivities, she continued to emphasis how "impossible" homeownership felt. With the support of her friends and family, Karla submitted her homeownership application with little hope that it would be accepted. Much to her surprise, she was given the approval letter, and the partnership began that resulted in Karla walking into her new living room, overwhelmed with gratitude with her two daughters by her side.

Similarly, Nikki and her son were handed over their keys into their new home which was funded by Evergreen Habitat's Women Build Committee. An emotional moment of immense gratitude, Nikki spoke about how wonderful the partnership and process was with the Habitat team. "The process was so great, and everyone was so wonderful," claimed Nikki. Along with her son and mother, they were able to see for the first time their house they would finally be able to make a safe home.

“This is a wish that is coming true,” Karla said, quoted from Clark County Today.

“It’s otherworldly,” Nikki said. “I’m very grateful, very emotional. It’s more than I imagined.”

In light of Volunteer Appreciation Week, there was a moment of silence to honor longtime Habitat Volunteer, Lloyd Viles. Community Outreach Manager, Heather Cochrun, shared some kind words of Lloyd and that moments like this day is often referred to as "pay day" for volunteers, seeing the excitement from the homeowner.

After the two homeowners viewed their homes for the first time, local community members were able to take tours to see the work of Evergreen Habitat's volunteers and construction team. It was a wonderful day to bear witness to Evergreen Habitat's vision that everyone deserves a safe, affordable, and decent place to live.

Read more about the day covered by Clark County Today.