Steeped in Western traditions like line dancing, trick rope performance, and of course, barbeque, the 7th Annual Builder’s Ball is celebrating the Wild West to tackle one of the most significant challenges the Loveland community faces—affordable housing. Loveland Habitat For Humanity is the non-profit organization behind this fundraising gala that not only celebrates but strengthens the community and gives individuals and families a hand-up, not a handout.
Loveland Habitat For Humanity’s Development Director, Lydia Wolfe, sat down with Loveland + South Lifestyle magazine to chat about what the organization does, the excitement around the Builder’s Ball, and how the community can get involved with all the incredible projects that positively impact those who are struggling.
Qualified individuals and families who live and work in Loveland have the opportunity to work with Loveland Habitat For Humanity to get into their affordable homeownership program. Wolfe describes the housing issue as a community issue; that if people don’t have appropriate housing they lack stability in more areas of their lives than just where they call home.
“Affordable housing is an urgent need,” Wolfe said. “Housing improves health and well-being, builds community, increases time on the job and in school, and is essential to break the cycle of poverty.”
Housing prices in Loveland, as in much of Colorado, have skyrocketed. In 2010, the average home cost in Loveland was $277,000. In 2022 the average Loveland home cost is $477,400. Loveland Habitat for Humanity offers those who are in less-than-ideal living situations a no-interest mortgage loan so they can remain and continue to work in the community.
Each adult who qualifies must put forth more than 200 hours of sweat equity. This is done by working shoulder-to-shoulder with Loveland Habitat For Humanity volunteers to build their own home and keep the mission rolling along by helping others in similar positions to their own. They must also partake in more than 40 hours of education from Habitat For Humanity on fiscal management, budgeting, home maintenance, and living a healthy lifestyle.
“Our program helps preserve the local community, strengthens our workforce, and gives individuals and families increased financial stability so they can grow in the community,” says Wolfe.
The 7th year promises to be the biggest celebration yet. So grab your partner and kick up your heels to support the worthy work of Loveland Habitat For Humanity by attending the Builder’s Ball. More than 100 items from local businesses will be included in the silent auction and family fun activities are planned.
Just west on Highway 34, the spacious Ellis Ranch will once again host the event. White Paper BBQ will be serving up their award-winning savory menu, Taste Local is bringing in vegan and vegetarian fare, and it will all be topped off with dessert by “B” Sweet Cupcakes.
This year, there will even be a Rockin’ Kids competition with a prize going to the most rockin’ cowboy boots! The Westernaires, a local youth organization that trains young people in the best traditions in the West, will be showing off their trick rope skills with an incredible performance. Partygoers can participate in the silent auction, photo booth, line dancing, and wine pull, as well as plenty of opportunities to learn about how to get involved and support Loveland Habitat For Humanity.
Tickets for this event are $75 and can be purchased online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/202buildba/event/bb2023/.
To be part of this event, heel-toe do-si-do to the website and have a night of family fun while supporting Loveland Habitat For Humanity and its mission of helping families and individuals in need get into affordable, stable, and safe housing.
