Memories Made for More
Habitat for Humanity hosted its “Project Playhouse” at Strangeways Brewing this past weekend
By Charles Buchanan: Benedictine ‘23
On Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, Richmond Habitat for Humanity’s Youth Leadership Team (YLT), various sponsors and other volunteer teams designed, built, painted and decorated playhouses that went out to Richmond families in need. This fall, seven teams completed playhouses for seven local families that have previously been involved with Habitat for Humanity’s program. “They have been asking for a “Barbie Dream House,” stated one local parent, who has expressed the significance of the project and the impact it will have on their two young daughters. “If they could have a playhouse, it would be a dream come true!”
Not only have the families involved anticipated the event, but volunteers from the YLT also looked forward to the occasion to, once again, involve the community and bring joy to all the participants. “Each team had a goal of raising $2,500 to build their playhouse and support Richmond Habitat,” said Will Keenan, the Community Engagement Manager for Habitat for Humanity. “While the Youth Leadership Team has not yet reached its $2,500 goal, we hope that we can soon!”
Keenan described that the funds raised by each team helped to complete a playhouse for a local family and supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission of making affordable and safe housing a reality for low-income families. The Richmond Habitat Youth Leadership Team supports the organization in a variety of ways, including through fundraising, volunteering and outreach. Project Playhouse included a combination of these priority areas, which the YLT viewed as an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference.
Several local businesses and partners sponsored Habitat for Humanity’s playhouse builds. Commonwealth Commercial, Selective Insurance, Novelis, Brandermill Church, Neumann+Dunn and Rivanna are just a few of the local organizations that supported the initiative. Additionally, the Richmond Community ToolBank, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A have been invaluable partners in providing tools, supplies, refreshments and various meals at past builds.
By supporting Project Playhouse efforts and others, you help fund these remarkable activities and assist in raising awareness of Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes, communities and hope. You too can support the cause and donate by visiting the following link: If you would like to donate to support the Youth Leadership Team, you can donate here!
