A front porch is more than an entrance to a house. It can be the place where a family watches the seasons change, welcomes friends and creates memories that will last for years.
For Jessica Israel and her children, the front porch of their new Huntington home represents the beginning of a new chapter.
On October 5, Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State gathered with Jessica’s family, volunteers, sponsors and community partners to dedicate the organization’s 163rd home. The celebration marked more than the completion of a construction project. It celebrated the beginning of greater stability, security and opportunity for a local family.
Jessica partnered with Habitat throughout the homeownership process, investing her time, effort and determination alongside the many people who helped make the home possible. Like every Habitat homeowner, she worked toward the goal of purchasing an affordable home of her own.
The dedication provided a moment to pause and recognize what can happen when a community works together.
Building More Than Houses
Habitat Tri-State’s work is based on partnership. Future homeowners help build their homes, complete financial education and prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership. They then purchase their homes with affordable mortgages.
This model helps income-qualified homebuyers build a stronger foundation for the future while becoming active participants in their own homeownership journeys.
Jessica’s home is the 163rd completed by Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State during our 36 years of service. Each house carries its own story, but they all begin with the same belief: everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to live.
Progress Across the Tri-State
Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State serves six counties across three states: Boyd & Greenup counties in Kentucky, Lawrence & Scioto counties in Ohio and Cabell & Wayne counties in West Virginia.
The organization’s work continues throughout the region. Recent milestones include the beginning of construction on a new Greenup County home and a community fundraiser in Portsmouth supporting future homeowners in Scioto County.
Habitat Tri-State’s ReStores in Huntington and New Boston also play an important role in this work. By accepting and reselling donated items, the ReStores give them a second life while generating support for local housing programs.
Together, home construction, homeowner education, community partnerships and ReStore operations help Habitat Tri-State address the need for affordable housing across the region.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
The dedication of Habitat Tri-State’s 163rd home was an opportunity to celebrate Jessica’s perseverance and the many hands that helped bring the project to completion.
More importantly, it was a celebration of what comes next: everyday family dinners, holidays at home, quiet evenings on the porch and the comfort of knowing there is a safe place to return to at the end of the day.
We are grateful to Jessica and her family for allowing Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State to be part of their journey. We are also thankful for the volunteers, sponsors, donors and community partners whose continued commitment makes milestones like this possible.
