On a sunny Sunday in Easley, members of the community gathered on Ryan Street to dedicate a home and celebrate a new beginning for the Castro family. The house, built in partnership with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, not only provides a stable foundation for Jose and his family but also marks a significant milestone for the organization; its 40th anniversary build.
Having closed on the home in April, the Castros have now had time to settle in and make the space their own. Sunday’s dedication brought together a coalition of supporters, from volunteers and staff to board members and friends, to honor the journey.
The program was filled with meaningful moments that brought the community together. Following a welcome from Executive Director Tamara Dourney, guests stood as one while each room was named and blessed, a powerful gesture that filled the home with well wishes. A highlight was when longtime volunteer Donna DiAntonio presented the family with a Bible, sharing a hug that spoke volumes and a moment of quiet grace. The entire group then joined in a beautiful litany of dedication, their voices echoing through the home as they celebrated the family's new beginning.
After the ceremony, Jose spoke with staff, his smile a testament to the journey. "This home was a lot of effort," he said. "It wasn't always easy, but it's more than we ever dreamed of. We feel so blessed, and it was worth every bit of work."
The Castro home represents more than just the efforts of one family and a few staff members. It stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of our community. The same dedicated volunteers from companies like Arthrex and Champion Aerospace, along with Clemson University students and dozens of local residents, lent their hands to this build just as they have for others. This consistent, shared effort is the true foundation of every Habitat home.
The Castro family earned their place as homeowners by completing their "sweat equity" hours, contributing their time not only to their own home but also to others in the community. Now, their home is filled with personal touches that truly make it theirs. The couple’s collection of cowboy hats is proudly displayed on a wall, and they were excited to find that a king-size bed fit perfectly in their new bedroom. In the child's room, a handmade cross stitch hangs on the wall, a testament to the love that is turning this house into a home.
For the Castros, this house is more than just shelter. It is a place to grow, to gather, and to find peace. And for all who shared in the work, it is a powerful reminder of what a community can build when they work side by side.
