Home for Life: How Debbie’s Habitat House Continues to Support Her Decades Later

Thirty-three years ago, Debbie became one of Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity’s very first homeowners. At the time, she was looking for more than just four walls and a roof—she was looking for stability, a place to raise her family, and a future filled with opportunity.

In the years since, her Habitat home has been exactly that. It has seen laughter, love, and milestones—from raising her children to celebrating holidays, now quiet evenings spent in the space she worked so hard to call her own. But beyond memories, her home has given her something even more powerful: security, affordability, and the ability to plan for the future.

Now, more than three decades later, Debbie is experiencing another milestone—aging in place. Like so many older homeowners, she wants to stay in the home she loves for as long as possible, maintaining both her independence and her connection to the community. However, as mobility needs change, so does a home’s accessibility.
That’s where Habitat’s Ramps for Hope program comes in. Thanks to the incredible generosity of National Coatings, Debbie’s home was recently equipped with a brand-new accessibility ramp—a simple but transformative addition that will allow her to continue living safely and comfortably for years to come.

Then

Now

For us at Habitat, this is the full-circle moment we strive for. Homeownership isn’t just about handing over the keys—it’s about ensuring families have a foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s about building homes that last, futures that are secure, and communities that support one another at every stage of life.

Because of the support from our donors, volunteers, and partners, homeowners like Debbie don’t just buy a house—they gain a lifelong home. And when they need a little extra help to remain in it, Habitat is there.

This is what it means to build not just homes, but futures. Thank you for making it possible.