Congratulations Tashite-Ashiya Family!
Tulu Tashite and Ashiya Fitesa have traveled far to get to the United States from Ethiopia. This family of five includes their three young children, Sena, Adbata, and Annanee. Both parents put in long hours at JBS Foods, and on learning that they would become Habitat homeowners they felt a real sense of relief: “My family faced many challenges during COVID-19 as we weren’t able to work and pay the bills. Becoming a homeowner, especially during this time, is amazing as it provides a much safer environment for my family.”

This family of five had lived in a one-bedroom apartment which was expensive, unsafe, and overcrowded. With three young children in such a small area, it is hard for them to play and have space for themselves. Tulu’s family now has the room they need to grow, thrive, and reap all the benefits that homeownership brings: "Having a Habitat home means a lot to me and especially to my family. We are so happy to get this chance. We are excited to be able to look forward and move into a better situation and a better home, and to spend more time together as a family."
Meet Jefferson Construction Pathway Program Student Raul Rios
Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity’s first-of-its-kind Construction Pathway Program (CPP) is a partnership with Greeley-Evans District 6 through which underserved students build a Habitat home for a local family in need from the ground up while learning in-demand trade skills and incorporating knowledge from their core curriculum classes. The program is currently in its fourth year and the students are currently building their 21st home of the Habitat/Jefferson High School collaboration.

We at Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity are so grateful to these dedicated and inspiring students who, despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, joined Habitat staff and partner families out on the job site week after week. They are instrumental members of our team, and we wish to congratulate all the Jefferson Construction Pathway program students on an excellent 2020-21 school year. We look forward to continuing this exciting partnership for years to come.

To express our gratitude, we are highlighting some of the stories of the Jefferson Students for the Habitat Community, starting with 17-year-old Jefferson Sophomore Raul Rios.
Can you start by introducing yourself a little bit, where you’re from, what brought you to the Jefferson Program, that kind of thing?
My name is Raul Rios, I was born here, in Denver, Colorado. I was originally at Central [Greeley Central High School] and I was having trouble getting my grades up. So, to get credits, I transferred over here to Jefferson and they offered me the Construction Pathway Program. I accepted it right away because I do work in construction [outside of the program] and I really like what I do. I really wanted to do more of it, so it worked out and it has been a great opportunity. 

How old were you when you transferred over, how long have you been in the program?
I was 16 when I started working in the program, and I am 17 now so I have been in the program for a little over a year. I started as a freshman, and I am a sophomore now. I love the construction site so far; it has been a great experience. 
Would you say you are learning a lot? What has been your favorite aspect of the program?
I’m not sure that I could pick out a favorite, I just love construction overall. It is great to get out here and get some experience and I just love the work. 
How about outside of the program, what do you like to do?
I just really like to spend time with my family, relax, that kind of stuff. 
And what have you learned from [Jefferson Construction Pathway Program instructor] Matt? 
Matt is a great teacher; he has taught me a lot. I can’t even say everything that I’ve learned from him. He seems to know everything about different types of wood and the process of building houses. These are all things I have never done before, so it is great to have someone like Matt to support me.  
So, what are you looking forward to, whether in the program or otherwise? 
Well professionally I am looking to go on to be a welder, there seems to be a lot of opportunities and it is just what I want to be doing. I think I will really benefit from everything that I’ve learned here. 
Building Futures Annual Breakfast
Habitat for Humanity is excited to share an important opportunity to support our mission of providing safe and affordable homes. We are calling for volunteers to serve as Table Captains at our upcoming Annual Breakfast, an event that has raised $728,000 and provided 8 Weld County families with homeownership opportunities over the last 5 years.

Upcoming Table Captain training is scheduled for June 15th at 5:30 pm.
Interested volunteers should reach out to Senior Development Director, Lowrey Moyer, Lowrey@Greeleyhabitat.org to RSVP. Help build better futures for local families by becoming a Table Captain today!
ReStore Updates
Our Habitat ReStore sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Each sale and donation go to build homes, communities, and hope locally and around the world.

Did you know?

Our Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity ReStore has diverted over 963,744 pounds of items from landfills in 2020! In the same year, our amazing 3,835 donors helped contribute $873,825 in sales to help local families in need of housing!

2400 W 29th St, Greeley, CO 80631 970-352-1404
Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Free Vaccine Clinic
Saturday, May 15th!
Thank you to our amazing community partners at St. Benedict Health & Healing Ministry. They will be hosting a free COVID-19 Vaccine clinic at our very own ReStore.

Stop in to shop for a great cause, get free tacos provided by the LosDosBros Taco Truck, for those who get a free vaccine this Saturday, May 15th, 10 am to 3 pm!

Come by for free tacos and stay for a vaccine!