On Saturday, July 14, in celebration of the completion of our first Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) funded home, Habitat for Humanity Seattle/South King County and the City of Federal Way officially welcomed Alexander, Nadiia and their children into their new home with a ribbon cutting. City of Federal Way Mayor Skip Priest spoke to the gathering which included extended family, as well as Habitat staff and supporters. Bill Mandeville from the Washington State Department of Commerce and CEO Marty Kooistra were on hand to say a few words, and council members Bob Celski and Susan Honda attended as well.

In addition to welcoming Alexander, Nadiia and their children into their new home, this ribbon cutting also marked a happy start to a partnership between the City of Federal Way and Habitat that will provide decent, affordable housing to 14 partner families over the next two years. Habitat will acquire, rehabilitate and sell 14 homes in the Westway neighborhood of Federal Way to hard working, low-income families. Westway was identified as one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by foreclosures in King County. Our work in Westway will not only provide homes to 14 families, but will improve the lives of every resident by building a healthy and vital neighborhood.

At right: Bill Mandeville and Mayor Skip Priest.