Pikes Peak Habitat Faith in Action Monthly e-News
July 2024
Pikes Peak Habitat Visits Washington, D.C., for World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize
Earlier this month, representatives from Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, including Chloe Henry, Faith in Action program manager; Kris Lewis, CEO; and Eric Stolp, Board of Directors president, traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the second place prize for the 2024 U.N. World Interfaith Harmony Week competition at the Jordanian Embassy.
In 2010, the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring the first week of February every year U.N. World Interfaith Harmony Week. In honor of this international event, the H.M. King Abdullah II U.N. World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize was established to recognize three events which best promote the goals of the international initiative around the world. This year, Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity was awarded the second place prize in recognition of the "Who Is Your Neighbor?" Interfaith Dialogue event held in partnership with the Pikes Peak Inter Faith Coalition and the Colorado Springs Mayors Office.
At the Jordanian Embassy, the Pikes Peak Habitat team had the opportunity to converse with the Jordanian Ambassador to the United States, Dina Kawar, and her team before being presented with an official plaque and silver medal. While in Washington, D.C., the Pikes Peak Habitat team also had the opportunity to meet with the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the White House about the World Interfaith Harmony Week prize and Pikes Peak Habitat's Bridgebuilding: An Interfaith Collaboration Video Training series, created as a part of the Team Up national initiative.
Pikes Peak Habitat was honored to accept this meaningful prize as a testament to the hard work of our Interfaith Build for Unity subcommittee members, partner organizations, and partner faith communities who support our local interfaith efforts.
The Pikes Peak Habitat team receiving the 2024 Silver World Interfaith Harmony Week Prize. From left, Chloe Henry, Kris Lewis, Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar, and Eric Stolp.
The Pikes Peak Habitat team at the White House
Outcomes for Pikes Peak Habitat Homeowners
Ashley Peacock, a Master of Public Administration student in the College of Public Service, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, recently completed her capstone project, which details outcomes for Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity homeowners.
Peacock's research highlights how Pikes Peak Habitat homeowners' lives have changed since they moved into their new homes, in the following areas: education, neighborhood and home stability, financial stability and wealth building, employment opportunities, health, and civil and social engagement.
The study results showcased:
- 93% of homeowners surveyed said their lives had become better overall since they purchased their Pikes Peak Habitat homes.
- 85% of homeowners felt better about their ability to support post-secondary education for their children.
- 77% of homeowners felt better about their children’s overall confidence.
- 82% of homeowners reported better financial security since becoming a homeowner.
- 88% of homeowners felt more stable in their living situation.
Ways to Get Involved This July
Learn from our 3rd IBU homeowner
Read about Jessica's experience as an IBU homeowner! In a recent interview, 3rd IBU homeowner Jessica shared, “It was amazing to see how many people of the faith community came together for somebody that they had no idea about whatsoever! They were there to support me, never knowing me; to hear my story.” Check out one of our most recent blogs to learn more about the impact that being the 3rd Interfaith Build for Unity homeowner had on Jessica and her son, Bryson.
Save Your Spot for the Disaster Recovery Trip to Medford, OR
Consider joining Pikes Peak Habitat and Thrivent for our first worldwide disaster recovery trip to Medford, OR, Oct. 6-12, 2024. During the week, we will serve a community affected by a devastating wildfire. The most destructive fire in Oregon’s history, the Almeda fire, scorched through Rogue Valley in September 2020. The fire left behind a 13-mile-long burn scar, destroyed 2,600 homes and 200 businesses, and left 10,000 people displaced. Our volunteer team will contribute to the recovery work by building a home in partnership with a local family.
The cost for the trip is $610 for Thrivent clients with benefit membership and $1,060 for all other participants, including associate members of Thrivent. If you aren’t sure whether you are a Thrivent client, confirm your membership status. Spots are filling quickly, so if you are interested in attending, follow these next steps before the Aug. 22 registration deadline:
- Create an account in the Habitat Volunteer Community and register for the team.
- Email Chloe@pikespeakhabitat.org to notify our staff that you are planning to attend and create your fundraising page.
- To hold your spot on the team, submit a $250 deposit within one week of your registration. This deposit is made through your fundraising page.
Reserve Your Faith Group's IBU Volunteer Days
There is still time to reserve an interfaith construction site build day for your faith group. Please consider signing up for one of the following days to pair up with another faith community and put faith into action:
- Sunday, August 11, 2024
- Friday, October 25, 2024
- Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Saturday, December 21, 2024
- Saturday, January 11, 2025
- Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Saturday, February 1, 2025
- Saturday, February 15, 2025
If you are interested in reserving one of the following days, please reach out via email to Chloe@pikespeakhabitat.org.
Join the Pikes Peak Habitat Team
Are you passionate about the mission and vision of Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity? Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a rewarding career working in partnership with local workforce families to address the need for safe, affordable homes? If so, please check out some of the current employment opportunities available at Pikes Peak Habitat.