A ribbon cutting celebration was held Sept. 15 for the most recently completed Habitat for Humanity house on Hilton Head Island. The new home of the Almaraz family, left, was dedicated to Pat Wirth, right, to honor her two decades of service to the organization. COURTESY HILTON HEAD HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

On Sept. 15th, at a new home on Hilton Head Island, donors, volunteers, and friends gather to dedicate Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity’s 122nd completed house.

This house will become the home of the Almaraz family, who went through a grueling application process and provided more than 400 sweat-equity hours to the local Habitat affiliate.

The Almaraz family is made up of three generations: Blanca, her daughter Araceli, and Araceli’s son. Araceli says she applied to the Habitat program because, “I am a single mother and would love to be able to give my son a place that is safe and to call home. Also, I would like for my mom to have a home for when she retires (so) I can care for her and my son. It would be a dream come true if I can give them both a place to call home.”

Friends of Patricia Carey Wirth funded the project. The house is a celebration of the nearly two decades she spent as the president and CEO of the Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity. During her tenure the organization went through tremendous growth in providing simple, decent housing for so many families in southern Beaufort and Jasper counties.

As president and CEO, she helped build almost 90 houses in the service area. Upon her retirement, the board of directors started the campaign to build a house in her honor.

“House dedications are such joyous moments,” said Brenda Dooley, executive director of Hilton Head Regional Habitat for Humanity.  “We are proud to partner with the Almaraz family in building this home and in seeing them celebrate this new beginning in their lives.”

More than 60 volunteers spent more than 1,500 hours working to build the home. Volunteers are on the front line of building homes, hope and community. Their selfless time and talent make the dream of owning a home a reality.

A dedication provides the perfect opportunity to see firsthand the work that Habitat does and to meet the families who are purchasing these homes.

For more information, call 843-681-5864 or visit habitathhi.org.