Heading: Growing Together in Berthoud

Building Stability with Christine

Christine Harmon has always been someone who shows up — for her kids, for her colleagues, and for her community. A full-time employee at Lowe's, Christine's quiet determination has defined her journey through some genuinely hard years.

After going through a divorce in 2022, Christine found herself navigating a new chapter on her own. Though she had built a life she was proud of, traditional homeownership felt out of reach. When she came across Berthoud Habitat for Humanity in the local newspaper, she decided to find out if she would qualify.

She applied. And this past February, she got her answer.

"Oh my gosh, I cried with tears knowing there was hope for me in my situation. Then I was so grateful."

Since joining the program, Christine has immersed herself in the Habitat community — volunteering, connecting, and giving back at every turn. At the ReStore, she crossed paths with a former coworker who was out of work. Rather than simply catching up, she got him a job at Lowe's. "He starts in a couple days," she shared. That's Christine — even in the middle of building her own stability, she's lifting others alongside her.

The Habitat program has also reshuffled her relationship with her own future.

"This amazing opportunity has given me a renewed sense of continuing to pay off debt, to practice mindful spending, and to feel like I will finally have a home I can call my own."

She's investing in her 401(k), participating in Lowe's employee stock purchase program, and has found the confidence to accept a management position she'd been offered.

"The affordability of my home will allow me to accept the manager's position I have been offered at Lowe's. I will follow all my goals and be forever grateful."

When asked what this journey has meant to her emotionally, Christine shared:"It's a feeling that you cannot put into words. It's a smile deep inside my heart — not a smile on your face others can see, but a happiness others can feel that I carry with me."

And for her children, this chapter carries a message she hopes they'll carry long after she's moved in.

"I really hope my children can witness through my life experiences that its never to late to chase a dream and to know that

there is a community all around you, you can always change things in your life to better yourself."

To the volunteers, donors, and supporters who make it all possible, Christine has one thing to say:

"I have always heard so many nice things about Habitat, but now I can see firsthand how this program changes lives. How this program educates you… I'm so grateful to learn and to be involved in the process."

We are honored to walk alongside Christine as she builds the next chapter of her story — one that, in every way, is entirely her own.

Construction Updates

Behind the scenes, our contractor team at Libertas has been hard at work advancing the backend of construction — laying the groundwork that keeps our building program moving forward with strength and intention.

While we have been on a pause from volunteer build days, we are eagerly looking ahead to this summer, when we hope to welcome volunteers back on site. With a growing pipeline of partner families ready to be served, there is meaningful work on the horizon.

Speaking of partner families, we are thrilled to welcome Lauren, Marcus, and their children to the Berthoud Habitat for Humanity homeownership program this month! This family is embarking on a journey that will change their lives, and we are honored to walk alongside them every step of the way. Stay tuned — we can't wait to share more of their story with you.

Finally, we are actively searching for a full-time Construction Director to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful, community-driven work right here in Berthoud. If you or someone you know might be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you.

There's no better time to visit the Berthoud ReStore than right now. As the season turns and gardens wake back up, we're embracing all things spring — and our shelves are full of unique, affordable finds just waiting for a new home.

From outdoor décor to hidden gems perfect for freshening up your space, a trip to the ReStore is always worth it. You never know what treasure you might discover — and every purchase directly supports affordable homeownership right here in our community.

While you're at it, take a look around your garage and backyard. Got garden tools, planters, or outdoor items you no longer need? Donate them to the ReStore and give them a second life — while helping a neighbor build a better one.

Shop with purpose. Give with joy. Spring is the perfect time to do both.

When I stepped into this role a month ago, I already believed in the power of what “home” can do. That belief is what brought me here. What I didn’t fully understand yet was just how deeply that impact is felt right here in Berthoud.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to listen, learn, and see this work up close. What stands out most isn’t just the homes being built—it’s the people behind them. Volunteers showing up. Families investing in their future. A community that truly looks out for one another.

Home is more than a place—it’s a starting point. It creates stability, gives kids a foundation to grow, and allows families to move from surviving to planning what’s next. And when that happens, it strengthens our entire community.

What excites me most is where we’re headed. Berthoud Habitat is already doing incredible work, and we’re just getting started.

If you’ve been part of this mission, thank you. If not, there’s a place for you here—because building home is something we do together.

Bryant Robertson

Executive Director