At Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity, family partners play a critical role in helping families navigate the journey toward homeownership. Acting as liaisons, mentors, and cheerleaders, they walk alongside families as they build their futures. For Craig, becoming a family partner was both a chance to make a meaningful difference and an opportunity for personal growth.
Craig’s first encounter with Habitat came shortly after moving to Boise. He volunteered on job sites to learn more about the organization and was eventually invited to join the board of directors. Early into his board service, he learned that the family—a refugee family from Iraq—needed a family partner. “I felt like that would be a really good opportunity for me to, most importantly, support a family in need,” Craig shared. “When I learned about their background and the hard experiences they endured to even get to Boise, I was really moved and motivated to support them.”
The Ali family had overcome unimaginable challenges. Fleeing secondary violence in Iraq, they sought refuge in Syria, only to face continued unrest. From Syria, they moved to Turkey before finally finding safety and stability in Boise. “Meeting the kids and talking with the parents during my first few monthly meetings, I felt a real strong connection with them,” Craig recalled. “Their story of resilience and perseverance was deeply inspiring.”
As a family partner, Craig’s role was twofold. First, he acted as the family’s main point of contact with Habitat, answering questions and helping them understand the program’s requirements. “This was their first time going through Habitat, so they had a lot of questions and some well-founded concerns,” he explained. “My focus was to handle as many of those conversations as I could, so the larger organization could focus on supporting all the families.”
Second, Craig helped the Ali family stay accountable and on track with their program commitments. This included monitoring their sweat equity hours—volunteer work families contribute as part of their partnership with Habitat—and preparing them for each step of the process. “I’d meet with them monthly to collect their partnership certificates, review their progress, and make sure they were meeting their obligations,” he said. “It was about guiding them while respecting their autonomy and efforts.”
Working with the family during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges. Construction delays extended the timeline, but Craig remained steadfast in his support. Over time, the experience left a lasting impact on him. “I learned so much about their culture, and I feel like I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to persevere,” he reflected. “It also reinforced my belief in Habitat’s mission and the importance of creating opportunities for families to find safety and security through homeownership.”
For Craig, being a family partner wasn’t just about helping the family—it was about being part of something bigger. “Families like the Ali family, who have gone through so much, deserve the chance to succeed and find stability,” he said. “It’s their effort and determination that make it possible, but it’s an honor to walk alongside them and support their journey.
Volunteers like Craig are the backbone of Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity’s mission. If you’re inspired by Craig’s story and want to make a difference, consider becoming a family partner or volunteering in another capacity. Visit tvhabitat.org/volunteer to learn more and fill out the form.
AI-generated content: This story was written with AI assistance.