HopeBuilder is Habitat Portland Region’s biggest annual event—a powerful gathering of people who want to help create positive change in their communities. For some, it’s the first time they’ve learned about Habitat’s mission to build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
For AJ Simpson, an invitation to HopeBuilder in 2019 helped him reconnect with Habitat. He had been on a build trip nearly a decade earlier, when he helped rebuild homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.
But AJ wasn’t familiar with Habitat’s work at home in Portland until he attended the HopeBuilder event. Hearing about the connection that stable housing has with children and their education really resonated with him. AJ went on to become co-chair of our Ambassador Council, and is now a board member.
“I wanted to make sure that I could be a part of something that’s going to bring that to other youth in the community,” he said.
If you attended last year’s HopeBuilder Lunch, you heard AJ speak alongside Jerika Ferguson. She’s been involved with Habitat Portland Region since 2017 and is our Ambassador Council’s Immediate Past Chair.
Jerika says she looks forward to HopeBuilder every year. To her, table hosting is an easy and fun way bring in friends and colleagues and share the vision of more affordable housing. “It’s a great way of learning about Habitat but also what you can do to strengthen your own community,” she said.
Susie Vischer has attended HopeBuilder every year since 2002. That’s when she first started volunteering—initially as a weekly construction volunteer, then in board and committee roles. Susie is a current member of our CREW: Creating Resources to Empower Women, and recently returned from our Global Village build in El Salvador.
Susie has also hosted a table at HopeBuilder every year since 2002, and says she always leaves the event feeling inspired.
“The people that have come that I’ve invited to my own particular table are so engaged and interested in learning,” Susie said. “I believe in the mission of Habitat and and the work that they’re doing. And it’s really close to my heart.”
At Habitat, we bring people together to make a difference. HopeBuilder builds community and hope, and the funds raised build homes.
If you want to share Habitat with your friends or colleagues, we’d love to partner with you. Tables fit 10 people, including the host. We’ll help you build your guest list, set goals, and manage tasks at the event.
Learn more at https://habitatportlandregion.org/events/hopebuilderlunch/
