As the season transitions with changing leaf colors and cooler weather, one constant remains: the unwavering mission of Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. Our goal is not only to build sustainable and affordable homes but also to foster lasting relationships within the community.

This final 30th-year anniversary edition highlights the inspiring story of Stephon Carter, who is not only a homeowner through Habitat but also a dedicated staff member of eleven years with Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity. It is an honor for the organization to work alongside him each day. Stephon reflects on how his journey with Habitat began when asked about his involvement with the organization.

“A good friend worked at GFHFH, and I started volunteering. On my third day, management asked if I would like to become a Habitat employee. Personally, that was a gift. I had been a commercial driver since the age of 20 and looked forward to going to work at GFHFH every day. From that moment, I can honestly say I fell in love with Habitat for Humanity and with the people we serve,” Stephon recounts.

At the time, Stephon, his wife, and children were living in a double-wide mobile home on land they owned. He recalls Judy Hammond, a longtime supporter of Habitat, encouraging him each time she saw him to apply for a Habitat home. With faith and determination, Stephon and his wife began the application process. “The Habitat Homebuyer program is not an easy journey to go through, given that most homebuyers during that time had to complete 500 hours, complete financial literacy, along with busy living full lives. Stephon is an example of the very dedication it requires to become a Habitat homeowner,” says Homebuyer Services Director Patty McGee. Throughout the selection process, Stephon continued to work diligently. While out collecting donations and engaging with the community, he shared: “Going out into the community and meeting people who also were in need—some more than others—was humbling. I didn’t go anywhere without spreading the message of GFHFH’s mission.”

Families involved in Habitat participate in building their own homes, and Stephon’s story exemplifies this commitment. One evening, during a delivery, his wife called him urgently, asking him to come home and see something. Approaching their double-wide, Stephon witnessed GFHFH volunteers breaking ground on his future home. In that moment, everything felt real. He and his family watched from their window as each day, their new home took shape, built side by side by volunteers and workers. Jayne Johnson, Greater Fred Habitat’s Executive Director, echoed the words of many staff and volunteers by saying, “by building his own home alongside Habitat volunteers, to always greeting fellow employees and customers with respect, cheerfulness, and willingness to help, Stephon exemplifies what Habitat is all about. I can’t think of a better ambassador”.

“It’s not about money or what you gain in this world,” Stephon reflects. “It’s about appreciating the blessings God gives us. If we look around, they’re everywhere—I am living proof of that.” It became even clearer that Stephon is the vital heartbeat of GFHFH. When asked what message he would like to share with the community, he replied with a smile, “All things are possible if you believe and do your part. God will do the rest.” Stephon continues his community outreach with people across the service area while working with Habitat. Hannah Embler-Gunkel, the ReStore

Assistant manager, said, “Stephon always goes the extra mile to promote the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity Restore”.

His community relationships are both individual and connected to area businesses. He remains a pivotal part of the team and continues to make a significant difference. When asked about Stephon’s presence at Greater Fred Habitat, Robert Schwartz, the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity ReStore manager, said, “He is the best ambassador for Habitat that I can think of.”

Getting involved through volunteering allows for genuine connections with people and the world. Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity extends its gratitude to Stephon, along with all staff, volunteers, and donors, whose support has shaped and sustained GFHFH. Without their collective efforts, this heartfelt story would not be possible.

—Lucy Pintouri-Godwin