A reflection on Evans Street

As you drive down Evans Street in the Adams Park neighborhood, you might notice all of the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha homes have a similar exterior. Given their matching facades, one might never guess the wonderful diversity these houses represent.

Each home was built by hundreds of volunteers from all walks and phases of life – college students to retirees to individuals going through a residential addiction rehab program. Three of the houses were built almost entirely by our corporate partners and their employees. Two of the houses were completely framed over the course of two weekends last April during our Framing Frenzy.

Nestled perfectly in the middle of these seven houses is our Faith House, which was built by members of the 20 local churches and faith groups who make up this coalition and supported by our friends at Thrivent. I don’t know if was by accident or design that the Faith House is in the center of that street, but it fits perfectly with what we are doing at Habitat Omaha. Keeping our faith at the center of our work but not using it to keep others out.

Much like the diverse hands that built these homes, the families who purchase them are also unique. Very soon, they will be moving in their furniture and other belongings. They also will bring their life experiences, their memories, and their family heritage into their new home and community. My hope is that they will share these gifts with their neighbors, and that through their friendships, they will build a neighborhood that looks as vibrant and full of love on the outside as the people who live on the inside.

Jenny Schroeder
Volunteer Services Manager
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha