Now that 2025 has come to a close, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County is reflecting on a year shaped by generosity, partnership, and the shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
From volunteer powered build days to meaningful community outreach, this year showed what is possible when neighbors come together with purpose and heart.
One of the most joyful efforts of the year was the distribution of gift baskets for community events across Clallam County.
Filled with essentials, treats, and messages of encouragement, these baskets were made possible through the kindness of donors and the dedication of our staff.
For many event organizers and participants, the baskets served as a reminder that their community sees them, values them, and stands beside them.
Volunteerism remained at the core of Habitat’s mission.
Partnerships with Astound Broadband and First Federal Bank brought dozens of enthusiastic volunteers to our build sites, where they rolled up their sleeves and helped move construction forward in meaningful ways.
Beyond the build sites, volunteers kept our Habitat Stores thriving by sorting donations, assisting customers, and helping maintain the welcoming atmosphere our community counts on.
This year also highlighted the strength of the partnerships that make our construction efforts possible.
INTERFOR continued its long standing support by donating the framing lumber for the last 12 homes Habitat Clallam has built, including the Veteran Ketchum Cottages.
James Hardie Siding joined us as a new partner by donating all of the siding for the cottages, providing specialized equipment, and training our staff on best practices.
VFW Post 4760 in Sequim played a key role by helping recruit veteran families, spreading the word about Habitat’s affordable housing opportunities, and fully funding the roof system for the entire four-unit development.
Together, these partners strengthened the project and helped ensure that local veterans will soon have safe, affordable homes built with care.
Much of our work in 2025 centered on the Veteran Ketchum Cottages in Port Angeles.
Throughout the year, crews and volunteers made steady progress on the homes, which will soon provide stable housing for local veterans and their families.
The project has been a labor of love, honoring the service of those who have given so much to our country.
Every wall raised and every nail driven brings us closer to welcoming these veterans into homes built with gratitude and respect.
Both the Port Angeles and Sequim Habitat stores saw an outpouring of donations this year.
From furniture and appliances to building materials and home décor, the generosity of our community kept our stores stocked and thriving.
These donations do more than fill shelves; they directly support Habitat’s construction efforts and help fund the homes we build and repair.
The stores remain a vital part of our mission, offering affordable goods while reducing waste and strengthening community connections.
Through all of this, our purpose remained steady.
We are here to improve the lives of Clallam County residents through affordable housing.
Every volunteer hour, every donated item, and every partnership helped move us closer to that goal.
And as we look ahead, 2026 promises to be one of our most ambitious years yet.
The first major milestone on the horizon is the completion of the Veteran Ketchum Cottages.
With the finish line in sight, our team is energized and eager to hand over the keys to the new homeowners.
Once that project wraps up, our focus will shift just across the street, where a new single family home is ready to take shape and continue expanding affordable home ownership opportunities.
Beyond these individual homes, Habitat is laying the groundwork for two transformative developments.
Lyons Landing will bring 45 single family homes to the area, creating a vibrant neighborhood where families can grow and thrive.
The Sequim Avenue project will introduce 45 multi-family units, expanding affordable housing options for individuals and families who need them most.
In 2026, much of our effort will focus on infrastructure for these major projects.
Roads, utilities, and site preparation may not be glamorous, but they are essential steps that pave the way for future homes.
We are eager to begin the foundational work that will support nearly 100 new affordable homes in the years ahead.
As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude for the year behind us and determination for the work ahead.
Together, with volunteers, donors, partners, and neighbors, we will keep building hope, one home at a time.
By Colleen Robinson