ST. GEORGE — Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah dedicated its 23rd home in Southern Utah to single mom Kasidy Havens and her four children at a ceremony on Thursday.
Dozens of people attended the ceremony, which took place at the family’s new home in Washington, to tour the house and wish the new homeowners well.
The house is a two-story home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, which the family is excited to move into after living in an 800-square-foot basement apartment where they share two bedrooms and one bathroom.
“I’m grateful for every piece of this house. I’m so filled with joy and gratitude and my kids are too,” Havens said.
Havens first applied for the house around four years ago, and since then the family has worked hard to meet the required 250 hours of sweat equity by helping to work on their home and the one built before theirs.
Read more: Habitat for Humanity chooses single mother of 4 to receive its 23rd home
Those who attended the dedication had the opportunity to tour the house, which had labels placed throughout to recognize those who donated supplies or materials to the cause.
“Everything will always remind me of … this amazing experience. And I’m super bummed it’s coming to a close,” Havens said. “They’re my support and my family, and I’m just so incredibly grateful.”
Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah has built 22 homes in the past 20 years, helping over 125 people become homeowners.
The organization’s purpose is to build safe, good-quality, affordable housing for families in Washington County who are between 60 percent and 80 percent of the area’s median income.
Habitat for Humanity always keeps the living expenses to the family under 30% of their monthly income, which includes mortgage, utilities and insurance, and doesn’t charge them interest, making the home affordable.
“What habitat does is affects their whole life. … This will affect the rest of her life. It’ll affect her children’s lives. They can bring their friends over now,” Habitat’s Executive Director Linda Baker said. “That stability is so huge in the lives of children and that peace of mind.”
Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah announced that Kayo Skandunas has been hired to replace Baker who is retiring. Skandunas, who has been involved with the organization for several years, will take over as executive director next week.
“Habitat for Humanity is not a charity. It’s not a charitable effort. We’re partners with you, we are your biggest supporters, we’re your friends, we are your family,” Skandunas said.
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