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SYMBOLIC FIRST SHOVEL TO BUILDING THEIR HOMES – Last Saturday these three families were introduced to the La Conner community at Skagit Habitat for Humanity's groundbreaking ceremony for their Caledonia Cottages site at Caledonia and South Third Streets. They may be in their homes a year from now.
No adage has been truer for Rocio Almaraz than the one that says home is where the heart is.
Almaraz, who grew up in La Conner but now resides in Mount Vernon, drives her kids here each day to attend school because of the passion she has never lost for her hometown.
"That's how much I love it," Almaraz, flanked by children Greyson and Mia Delage, stressed during emotional remarks made during groundbreaking ceremonies last Saturday highlighting Skagit Habitat for Humanity's new housing venture at South Third and Caledonia streets.
Hers is one of three families selected from a rigorous application process for ownership of the Skagit Habitat-designed houses.
Almaraz, at long last, will be able to meld home and heart thanks to Skagit Habitat's Homebuyer Program, which requires participants to contribute a minimum 150 hours of sweat equity during construction.
"I always dreamed of owning a home here, but it was never achievable," Almaraz told the large gathering, which included Mayor Marna Hanneman, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community representatives Janie Beasley and Leon John, all three Skagit County commissioners, state lawmaker Clyde Shavers and town planning commissioner Cynthia Elliott, among other special guests.
"I feel that now I'll be able to provide generational wealth for my children," Almaraz added. "I'll be so blessed to live in the community where my kids go to school."
Skagit Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit housing organization, was founded in 1994. Its goal is for the three homes – dubbed the Caledonia Cottages – to be built within nine to 12 months.
Skagit Habitat Development Director Ian Houben kicked off the 45-minute Oct. 26 program by acknowledging that construction will take place on ancestral Swinomish land.
He invited Beasley to share some words – in both Lushootseed and English – addressing the Skagit Habitat mission.
"I want to thank Skagit Habitat for what it's doing," said Beasley, a recent recipient of the Skagit Women's Alliance and Network 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. "We're thankful for having so many good people and resources here."
"Wow, this really warms my heart to look out and see so many people who support affordable housing and affordable home ownership," added Skagit Habitat Executive Director Tina.
Tate said that home ownership is vital because it generates a necessary tax revenue stream for communities while providing an avenue for those homeowners to build personal wealth.
"I want to give a shout-out to Skagit County and the Town of La Conner for being so supportive of affordable housing," said Tate. "It warms my heart that the community is embracing this project."
Hanneman lauded Skagit Habitat for making homebuying possible for those with incomes below the county median.
"We're so excited to have this project here," she said. "We hope there will be many more projects to come in our town."
Ron Wesen, the senior county commissioner, spoke for the panel. He expressed appreciation for Skagit Habitat volunteers.
"They've done an outstanding job," said Wesen. "It's a great thing that Habitat for Humanity is doing in Skagit County. There's a lack of housing here and we all know that, but here in La Conner, this is a great project."
Shavers thanked Skagit Habitat for serving as a "lifeline" to those who otherwise might be unable to purchase a home. He said he was proud of the state legislature for its support of Habitat for Humanity and seeking solutions to the Puget Sound housing crunch.
Prior to the three families turning dirt with ceremonial gold spades, Father Tom McMichael of La Conner's Sacred Heart Catholic Church blessed the groundbreaking.
He praised Skagit Habitat for doing "the Lord's work" and "building up and serving" those in need of safe, secure and affordable housing.
Fear that weather might mar the ceremonies prompted pitching a large tent on-site. Fortunately, the rain held off and conditions were comfortable throughout. At one point there was even a brief sunbreak.
Hanneman had an inkling that would be the case.
"When I was walking here and saw the tent set up," she said, "I just knew the weather would be great."
Kind of like it was meant to be – same as Rocio Almaraz's application with Skagit Habitat.
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