Habitat Makes a Special Holiday Dedication

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – It’s the holiday season, and its magic was in full swing Saturday afternoon at 25 Johnson Street.

Here, Presbybuild #9, constructed with lumber from the 2017 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, was officially dedicated to Lakisha Atkins and her family of five children. The holiday tree, a symbol of love, also signified the resilient journey of Lakisha, who despite a host of challenging obstacles, persevered and flourished. Senselessly losing her husband when he was shot and robbed while walking home from work, Lakisha, a hard-working single mother, continued to hold on to the dream her and her husband shared of owning a home. The pieces slowly began to fall into place when she secured a job at a corrections facility. Then, when she connected with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh, her “prayers were answered.”

After completing many “sweat equity” hours assisting with building her home as well as attending ownership classes and volunteering on her neighbor’s homes, Lakisha fulfilled that long pursued dream and was eager to celebrate the labors of her and her children’s labors, while expressing heartfelt gratitude Saturday.

On Saturday afternoon, Lakisha Atkins and her family officially became Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh homeowners. Their 25 Johnson Street residence is the culmination of a long, dedicated journey, filled with support, love and inspiration, along with the lumber of the 2017 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, adding to the specialness of the day during this holiday season.
On Saturday afternoon, Lakisha Atkins and her family officially became Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh homeowners. Their 25 Johnson Street residence is the culmination of a long, dedicated journey, filled with support, love and inspiration, along with the lumber of the 2017 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, adding to the specialness of the day during this holiday season.

“Today means everything’ it’s a dream come true, one my husband and I dreamed about and worked so hard to achieve with our kids,” said Lakisha. “I’m grateful to Habitat who gave me a chance, all this was not possible without them; they really helped me with managing my finances, having patience and just being grateful about seeing how the community can really come together.”

Many of that “Habitat community,” family, about 1,000 who contributed approximately 5,000 hours, was at the Official Dedication Ceremony, touring the home, while listening in to a host of supporters who contributed to Lakisha’s amazing home ownership journey.

“A lot of love has already been put into this house,” said Susan Varden, Board Secretary.
One of two Family House Advocate Volunteers, Bev Mennerich, added, “We as advocates feel we were blessed to be able to work with Lakisha.”

After the traditional “Passing of the Keys” segment of the Dedication, other symbolic “gifts” were presented, including a loaf of bread as well as a Bible. Each of Lakisha’s children expressed gratitude for their new home. They too were transformed by their Habitat journeys. The Habitat Home ownership is a process that continues to not only transform families, but communities and much more.

“It’s just an amazing amount of work that gets done here,” said Matt Arbolino, Executive Director. “This is one of those good days.”

Reflecting further, Arbolino, himself a Habitat volunteer for several years, added, “We are doing this for the families, and it is the families that do this for Newburgh.”

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