Habitat for Humanity has been helping make homeownership dreams come true since 1991 in Sussex County, and for many families, the impact can feel nothing short of miraculous.
Habitat for Humanity describes itself as an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness. The organization was founded on the belief that every man, woman, and child deserves a decent place to live in safety and dignity.
Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. The organization gained national attention when President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter began volunteering in 1984, helping raise awareness of Habitat’s mission around the world.
For volunteers like Renate Costner, Habitat’s impact is easy to see firsthand.
Costner has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for 12 years and says the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
“The house builds are amazing,” she said. “You can truly feel the love among the volunteers and supervisors.”
One of the things she appreciates most is that volunteers don’t need extensive construction experience to get involved.
“Your skill level can be minimal because Habitat supervisors are on site to teach and help every volunteer,” Costner said, noting that volunteers of all ages are welcome!
She believes Sussex County Habitat for Humanity plays an important role in addressing local housing needs.
“Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is a well-run organization focused on helping to meet our community’s housing needs,” she said. “I’ve participated in nine builds in Sussex County and have walked away knowing each build provided a home that might not have been possible without Habitat.”
Along the way, Costner says she has also gained valuable home improvement skills she has been able to use in her own home.
For Cindy Bertoni, owner of CJB Flooring, a single volunteer experience turned into a lasting commitment.
Bertoni participated in her first Habitat build about five years ago because she thought it would be a fun opportunity and considered herself handy around construction projects. Today, she helps organize builds for other volunteers.
“After my first build and I learned what Habitat was all about, I was hooked,” she said. “Growing up a poor child, I could relate to the importance of these homes. The ability for families to purchase a new home that otherwise would be unattainable is such a blessing. Seeing the families who can purchase these homes, and the smiles and tears of joy, is so rewarding. To know that I had a part in that just warms my heart in the deepest way.”
Megan Upole, Habitat’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, has a unique perspective as both an employee and advocate for the organization’s mission. She has been with Habitat for two years.
“One of the greatest joys is watching families realize that homeownership is within reach,” she said. “Many of our partner families have spent years working hard, making sacrifices, and searching for a stable housing solution. Being able to walk alongside them as they move from dreaming about homeownership to achieving it is incredibly rewarding. Seeing their confidence grow throughout the process and knowing that they are building a stronger future for themselves and their children is what makes this work so meaningful.”
While Habitat is best known for building homes, the organization offers several additional programs designed to strengthen families and communities.
Its Healthy Homes Program provides repair services that help low-income homeowners affected by age, disability, or challenging family circumstances remain safely in their homes.
The Stand By Me Program offers financial coaching and education that help participants improve their credit scores, reduce debt, and increase savings, putting long-term financial stability within reach.
Habitat also operates the ReStore on Route 9, where residents can purchase quality home furnishings, building materials, and household items at a fraction of typical retail prices. Revenue generated through the store helps support Habitat’s housing programs and services.
None of these programs would be possible without volunteers.
According to Upole, Habitat benefits greatly from volunteers who return again and again, especially for home builds. However, she emphasizes that there are many ways to serve beyond construction work.
Not everyone wants to spend a day on a building site, and Habitat has opportunities to match a variety of interests and skills. Volunteers can serve on committees, provide refreshments or lunches for construction crews, assist with office and administrative tasks, support public relations and fundraising efforts, or help in the ReStore.
Whether building a home, mentoring a future homeowner, serving a meal, or helping behind the scenes, every volunteer plays a role in strengthening Sussex County communities.
For the families whose lives are changed through Habitat’s work, those contributions can make all the difference.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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