Kimber Russell wears many hats. From principal owner of 1 Percent Consulting, adjunct faculty for College of Western Idaho, commissioner for Serve Idaho, and board of trustees president for Habitat (not counting mom and wife), Kimber is a stark advocate of affordable housing in the Treasure Valley.

Amisa and her four children, ages one, two, 12, and 15, were the recipients of Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity’s first playhouse through its Playhouse Program. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, Amisa’s playhouse will be used in her childcare business that she operates out of her home.

Living in Meridian, Idaho, veteran and homeowner Randy desperately needed his house repainted in order to protect it from the elements. Quality exterior paint works as an added layer of protection, helping to keep a home safe from weather damage, insects, and dust. Randy’s only request, according to the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce? That the house be painted blue and gold.

“The steps outside my house were so steep, I was scared of falling. By the time I got to my car just outside my house, I was hyperventilating from fear of falling even though it was so close. Now, I don’t need to worry.” -Peggy Mortimer

Salima’s siblings were outside building a snowman. With their laughter forming a joyful backdrop, she was inside the house taking a call from Trinity College, receiving the news that she had just been awarded a scholarship. This moment in time captures the dream Asukulu and Charlene, Salima’s parents, had for their children: a safe place where life was celebrated, where education was emphasized, and where love abounded.

Lee and Henrietta Healy greatly benefitted from an accessibility ramp installed on their home through the Home Repairs Program. Due to Lee’s Parkinson’s disease, Henrietta had a difficult time helping Lee navigate the stairs in front of their house. Thanks to the Home Repairs Program, an accessibility ramp was installed allowing easy access for Lee’s wheelchair.

The Restore has had a huge increase in donations over the last several months. A lot of our donations come into the store from the donation truck. We operate the donation truck Wednesday through Saturday. We schedule six to seven pick-ups per day.

Serving as a volunteer, staff employee, and board member, Shirley Naccarato has done it all. After retiring from 30 years at the Washington State Bar in Seattle, Shirley and her husband moved to the area looking for a slower pace of life. When driving past the Overland ReStore near their home, she became interested in Habitat’s philosophy and charitable mission and began working as a ReStore volunteer.

As Jason himself will tell you, Jason Welch is the luckiest person in the world. But receiving the keys to his Habitat home in 2019 didn’t come easily. After suffering a traumatic brain aneurysm that left him unable to walk, talk, eat, or function independently, Jason was given less than a one percent chance of living through his accident.

Katie and Michael Hobson have been Habitat homeowners for 13 years. From raising their four children to building their savings, owning their own home has given them the freedom to pave their own path. But it wasn’t always this way.