17 families received the keys to their new homes at Stratton Flats 

Sarah shared in front of a hundred Habitat supporters, partners, homeowners and community members, voice sometimes wavering with emotion — happy and sad — how a Habitat home, she helped build and then purchased, changed her life and the lives of her children.

“The day I found out that my family had been accepted for a Habitat home is one that I will never forget. I was in the middle of finals for my last year of my undergrad degree. This was my third time applying for a Habitat home. My kids and I had moved six times in six years, all within a 15-mile radius. The emotions that I felt at that moment - shock, relief, joy - just overwhelming. My first thought was, ‘I can’t wait to tell my kids.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley and partners got to celebrate homes and hope with the 17 new homeowners who moved into their homes at Stratton Flats in Gypsum.

“We’ve been building at Stratton Flats — building community — for 15 years and the need for permanently affordable homes has never been greater. These new homeowners fill critical roles in our workforce — they are teachers, resort employees, grocery workers and tradesmen to name a few,” says Elyse Howard, VP of Community Affairs and Philanthropy. “Everyone deserves a strong foundation and these homes ensure that is possible.”

Home dedications are a time to celebrate community, hard work, volunteerism and the importance of home. Landon Anderson, who donated his structural engineering services to Habitat for years, reminisced when, at the age of six, his parents bought a home. He recognized how invaluable that safe, stable start was for his life, and such a milestone for his parents.

Board Treasurer and CFO at long-time partner The Gallegos Corporation Dan White summed up what many were thinking: “Sarah, your story and resilience resonates with a lot of people. Thank you for letting us be part of it.”

It’s not every nonprofit that feels honored to be able to be part of something bigger than themselves, something that helps at the micro and macro levels. “I couldn’t be more proud of this community. It’s obvious there is community here,” shared Scott Green, the mayor of Gypsum, as he gazed down Nighthawk Circle where Habitat has built 72 homes to date.

Scott Archuleta was a key person to building those 72 homes at Stratton Flats. He was a large, and now very missed, presence at Stratton Flats. He spearheaded the electrical work and worked with many volunteers over the years. Emily Peyton, VP of Operations at Habitat, remembered him, poignantly — his family, friends and homeowners moved with emotion.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Scott through his work with Habitat. He believed deeply that we each have a responsibility to help build the kind of world we hope to live in. Giving back wasn't just something he did, it was a reflection of his values and the example he wanted to set for his children. Through his generosity, kindness, and commitment to others, he showed that creating a better world begins with the choices we make every day. His legacy lives on not only in the homes he helped build, but in the lives he touched and the values he passed on,” Emily said.

If there’s any doubt about the importance of home, Sarah drives home that a home is everything. See all photos from the home dedication.

“When I look at our home, I don't just see walls, windows, and a roof. I see hope. I see opportunity. I see safety and relief. I see a future that feels more secure. I see a chance to stay in the community that I’ve lived in for almost 30 years. I see the opportunity for my kids to keep attending the same school, hanging out with their same friends. I see…no more moving boxes ever again.

I want to thank Habitat for Humanity for believing in families like mine. This program has given us more than a house — it has given us the chance to build a stable foundation for our future.

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been seeing how many people came together to help make this dream possible. It has reminded me that a strong community is built when people care for one another and invest in each other's success. My neighbors and I - we built each other’s homes together, side by side.

For my family, this home means stability. It means having a safe place to gather, celebrate holidays, help with homework, share meals, and create memories. It means knowing that we have a place where we belong.

We do not take this opportunity for granted. We are committed to caring for this home and to giving back to our community. We hope to honor the generosity that has been shown to us by extending that same kindness to others.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who played a role in making this day possible. Your hard work, generosity, and belief in our family have made a lasting difference in our lives.”