Community Engagement

We’ve heard it said that teachers are incredibly patient and resilient people, and DeVonna certainly serves as a demonstration of this truth. DeVonna, who is a special education teacher at Auburn High School, applied to purchase a home through our program in 2019. She was originally scheduled to start building her home this August…

We are so excited to highlight Katrina Boykins, the newest member of the RAHFH Board of Directors! Katrina works for the Department of Children and Family Services as a case worker. She previously worked at Public Aid through the Department of Human Services, and before that she worked at Chrysler for 15 years. Katrina…

When people think of the work of Habitat for Humanity, it conjures up images of volunteers raising walls, men and women in hardhats pounding nails, and perhaps even a family getting the keys to their new home. The work that our homebuyers put into building their homes and moving in is apparent and highly…

Josell has always made a promise to her kids:  one day, she would buy them a house of their own. However, like for so many Americans, homeownership felt just out of reach, and they were left renting. Josell is a mother of three— she has two young adult sons and a 10-year old daughter.…

Michael Argento has helped build more than 500 foundations for homes. Here’s the crazy part: he’s only 19 years old. Michael’s career in construction began all the way back at Guilford High School, in construction class. For the class, the students built a Habitat for Humanity house from the ground up, under the leadership…

We cherish opportunities to partner with other organizations and corporations in our local community. Today we’re highlighting our partnership with Thrivent, which has had a big impact in Rockford over the years. On a large scale, Habitat for Humanity international and Thrivent formed their partnership in 2005. This collaboration provides an avenue for individuals,…

One of the central tenets of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity is our model of engaging those we serve in a relationship of mutual exchange. From new home-buyer orientation until closing and beyond, the road we walk together with those participating in our program is a two way street where Habitat greatly values—where we,…

The twins were 10, Jamal was 11, Xavier was 13, Joseph was 15, and Shawn was 18. Six boys. It was 2007 and Constance and her sons were living in a Housing Authority property in Rockford. Nobody in Constance’s family had ever owned a home, and, raising those boys paycheck to paycheck, the responsibility…

The sounds of laughter and excited shouts echoed throughout Candi’s recently finished house as her three children explored their new home for the very first time. The kids raced from room to room, exclaiming in amazement about the bedrooms that will soon be theirs and all of the hiding spots for future games of…

“Storytelling and sharing in a compelling way can really capture someone’s attention, inspire someone to think differently, or change their perspective. It’s amazing to consider how RAHFH stories can create community and connection.” -Lauren Morelli, RAHFH Communications Coordinator Meet Lauren, the newest member of our team! Lauren is our Communications Coordinator, which means she…