The Raider Spirit was in full force last Friday during the first Raider Nation Build Dedication Ceremony. The event celebrated Habitat’s newest homeowner, Charlotte, and her family as they took their first steps into their new home!

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton Development Director, Dave Mauch, led off the event with words from the heart.

“When I think of our homeownership program, I think of three words that describe it best: partnership, trust, and love,” he said, commemorating the milestone of first-time homeownership for Charlotte and her three children. “This is not just a homeownership program; it is a partnership program. The first part of that is Charlotte. It’s her partnership, first and foremost, that is making this happen today.”

That requires trust. During her time in the homeownership program, Charlotte completed 360 sweat equity volunteer hours, surpassing the required 275. Her trust in the process and commitment to her future inspired others throughout the process.

A main trusted partner for this project, branded as the first “Raider Nation Build,” was the Wright State University Athletic Department. Athletic Director Joylynn Brown said the partnership was a natural fit.

“We are so, so excited about our partnership with Habitat,” she said, reflecting on the panel build project that started it all. “When I think back to that rainy day, stacks of wood, and 200 students, some who didn’t know how to use a hammer … I think of three more words: resilient, relentless, and proud. They were all resilient throughout the project because they never gave up; relentless because they kept showing up; and proud because you should have been there and seen how they worked together.”

Another partner, Wright-Patt Credit Union, was a natural fit for the project. As a long-time supporter of Wright State University and Habitat for Humanity, Wright-Patt Credit Union was the best partner to join the Raider Nation Build. Members of WPCU joined the Athletic Department in April during the panel build that started the build.

Throughout the Raider Nation Build, Wright State University filled 356 volunteer slots and added 894 volunteer hours to Habitat’s mission. These hours provided over $31,000 in value to Habitat’s affordable housing mission. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat’s mission. Without them, our families would not have homes to purchase.

The event ended with remarks from Charlotte and a ceremonial key passing. With keys in hand, Charlotte accomplished buying her first home!

“I want to thank everyone for being here, and for the gifts and love,” she exclaimed. “And want to thank my kids as they worked hard, too.”

Every partner involved is excited to continue the partnership with the second Raider Nation Build kicking off later this year. To stay up to date on the upcoming build, go to DaytonHabitat.Org/RaiderNation.