Jean and Tom Carey PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Orchid Island residents celebrated their longtime relationship with Indian River Habitat for Humanity during a Jazz Age-themed reception to benefit the Orchid Island Habitat Home Building fund.

It was a beautiful evening as guests, dressed in flapper dresses, fedoras and the like from a bygone era, enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from the back patio of the home of Tom and Jean Carey.

Mary and Mike Schwartz initially initiated the relationship between Orchid Island residents and Habitat as a way to assist families in achieving their goal of homeownership.

“I’m truly humbled by the support of this community. We should all be proud of ourselves. Communities are rated by different metrics: houses, golf courses, beaches, etc. If caring and support of others was a metric, we here at Orchid would be second to none,” said John Morrow, Orchid Habitat chairperson.

“There are other communities, much larger communities, that have done more, but as a percentage of actual people that live here, our per capita support is just fantastic,” said Morrow, adding that they are currently working to support their 28th Habitat home.

Morrow said residents support Habitat financially, by volunteering on worksites, and at the ReStore, deciding as a community where the money gets spent.

“That’s an unusual scenario for a charitable organization. You can say your money is staying right here and supporting the community around us.”

Stephanie Kingsbury, Habitat director of development, thanked everyone and spoke about Alejandra, a 25-year-old who immigrated from Mexico with her 13-year-old sister, and who would soon be the proud owner of Orchid Island’s 27th Habitat house.

“They came here to have a better life. Alejandra knew that she needed to do something to create a better life for herself and her sister,” explained Kingsbury.

Alejandra has worked hard to improve their lives, including attending school to become a dental assistant.

“She and her sister are currently sharing a room in a mobile home and cannot wait to get into their house, which so many Orchid volunteers have lovingly worked on,” added Kingsbury.

She stressed that a house is more than just four walls. It can change the trajectory of lives.

“Children who are in a stable home are more likely to go to college, to own their own home, and are more likely to be healthy. These are all important things to break the cycle of poverty and to give them a good foundation,” said Kingsbury.

For more information, visit IRCHabitat.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis