Shawna Crutchfield signed the final documents and received the keys to her Habitat home on December 1st, becoming the fourth and final homeowner in Nevada County Habitat’s Park Place neighborhood. Shawna and her four children join Mike and Tommi and their children, Lanea and her daughter, and Danise in Park Place, directly across the street from Grass Valley’s Memorial Park. Completion of Shawna’s home brings the number of Nevada County Habitat homes to 42.

Shawna was accepted as a Habitat homeowner after applying more than once. She persevered and was not discouraged. “There was never any other option than to move forward, even if it was hard. I accepted that challenge,” said Shawna. “Having a brighter future in a stable, affordable home is worth it for my kids, and for that I am so grateful and thankful to Habitat.”

The timing of Shawna’s move couldn’t be better. A week prior to her dedication ceremony Shawna learned that the house she was renting in Penn Valley was being put up for sale.

The worry of losing a rental home is now behind her. And, she and her family will get to celebrate Christmas in their own home.

“We are looking forward to the many Christmases we will have ahead of us in our new home,” said Shawna. “We have been provided mental ease, ample space, and a solid foundation to continue to build as a family and as individuals.”

After a 24-year career at L’Oreal and six years of working at Lake Wildwood in an administrative role, Kelly Billick decided that she wanted to try something new. In July she joined the staff at Nevada County Habitat as the Administrative/Program Coordinator.

Kelly is delighted with her move. If you call the Habitat office you are very likely to have Kelly as your first point of contact. At Habitat, Kelly does database management, event planning, customer service, affiliate-wide communications, and donor relations. “This job includes lots of different aspects,” says Kelly. “There is lots of variety.” 

When not at work, Kelly enjoys her bowling league, golf, crafts and sewing. She likes to try new things.

“I really enjoy working with the Habitat team,“ says Kelly, “I’m happy to be enhancing the community and providing a service.”