This week is just FULL of announcements apparently because here's another one. Last week we officially turned over the keys of our project house to Habitat for Humanity Springfield. So many of you have been following along since last October when we announced the project, so we wanted to give you an update on where the project is at.
We hosted a small open house with many members of Habitat as well as the ABM team and a few friends and family members. Sadly Josh + Sarah Rhodes could not be there as they are off on their new adventure in Phoenix, but before Josh left, he made us a big wooden key for the donation day that we attached to the real keys of the property. We handed over the keys during a short ceremony. Habitat also provided us with those giant ceremony scissors that politicians are always using in movies, and our niece, Penny, was thrilled to help Aunt Elsie cut the ribbon to the house during the ceremony. 🙂
We even got to be on the local news.
It was a thrilling moment to say the least! I kept telling Elsie that I'm going to refer to this project as "that time we gave away a house…" forever. Ha! It was such an honor to be able to give back to our city by using what resources and talents we have. I gave a super short speech at the ceremony and the first people I thanked were all of our readers because it's really because of you all and your support that we were able to bring this dream project to life. Thank you!
Now you might be wondering, "Why haven't you shown a tour of all the final room looks in the house?" Good question. During the process of this project, we were able to connect with a magazine that wanted to get involved as well. They provided the majority of the furnishings throughout the house (we did the reno + appliances). In order to work together on this project, we wanted to make sure that we didn't reveal the final looks until they are able to as well, and print moves a little slower than the ol' Internet since they have to, well, print everything first. 🙂 For this reason, we won't be sharing the final tours of the house until August—so hang tight for that! But we wanted to let you know about the official donation since we feel you all are as much a part of this project as we are.
Another question you might have is, "Is a family moving in yet?" And the answer is, not yet. Habitat has their own set process that families go through before they move into their homes. You can read more about it (or give a donation) by visiting habitat.org. We're hoping that by the time we share the final looks in the home, we'll have an update for you on this as we're still in touch with our contacts at HFHS. Even though our portion of this project is complete, the story of this house is still going and we're excited to see what happens.
Thank you SO much for being a part of this project with us this year. With this project completed, Elsie and I are already dreaming about what we should do next. xo. Emma
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photography: Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions. *Habitat homes are sold to qualifying families at a reduced price with a zero-interest loan. Mortgage payments then go into a revolving fund that allows Habitat to build additional homes for families in need. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity or to make a donation, visit habitat.org
46 Comments
Congrats!! Can’t wait to see the full house tour. It’s so nice to see that in all your success you’re choosing to give back in such a big and impactful way that really showcases your talents and passions!
-Molly
http://www.modcircus.com/
Wow! This is so inspiring. Loved the little news clip and especially what you said about giving back. It’s important to be generous with your resources and you’ve reminded us all of that.
I’m so excited to see the final tour! Congrats! Habitat is such an amazing organization.
This is such a wonderful collaboration with an awesome organization! Important to note, though, that Habitat doesn’t “give houses away”- they are sold to hardworking, qualified families who pay a mortgage, down payment and complete hours of “sweat equity” before moving in 🙂
I can’t wait to see the final pictures. Congratulations, ABM team! You guys have such big hearts and this is just so wonderful of you to take the time to make it happen. <3
Y’all are amazing with such big hearts. Now I have to wait until August to see all the deets. :]
You guys are SO awesome! Thanks for doing this.
Congrats! That is awesome! Cannot wait for the tour.
So exciting!!! Congrats ladies!!
The little girls face when cutting the ribbon is priceless!
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Thank you for sharing your whole journey with us! I am so happy for you!! Whoever moves in will be very lucky because it was decorated with so much love and passion =)
Juju Sprinkles
http://www.jujusprinkles.com
This is so amazing! Ya’ll are an inspiration! Now, I’m dreaming of doing something similar someday.
Laura
http://laurahager.blogspot.com/
You are simply great. I don’t care if you show us the final result or not, the important thing here is that someone will be very happy in that house! You are so generous, girl! A true example for all of us!
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
Job well done! Thank you for being the amazing women you are, and thank you for being active members of your community. Love your blog and your visions!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
That is so exciting! I’m sure whoever moves in will love it. You did an amazing thing and you should be proud!
This is so amazing!!! What an unbelievable experience! You are going to make a family very happy
http://www.littleblackshell.com
Elsie & Emma, you two are so special. Congrats to the entire ABM team on achieving this. I can’t wait to watch this story unfold. This colorful, happy home is going to make one family feel really happy. To be honest, I feel blessed to have even gotten the chance to e-mail with you the few times I have! You two are so inspiring. You have a lot to celebrate 🙂
xoxo,
Kristina
Congratulations this sounds like an amazing project. I’ve only just discovered your blog but it’s clear you have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this project and now your dreams are coming true. Very inspiring. sabiha x
http://www.franklyflawless.com
Congrats! That is such an amazing accomplishment! How many people can say that they gave away a house? Very inspiring!
Best,
Emily
http://www.emilyseye.com
Yes! We love that about them. 🙂
She was SO into it! Best part of the “ceremony” if you ask me. 🙂
You guys are just awesome- so amazing to see y’all give back like this. What an amazing project. Congratulations!
-Lauren
http://www.musingsofaflowerchild.com/
I find this so moving and cery inspiring!! You are awesome, such a beautiful thing to do! Xx
That’s so exciting! Congratulations! Penny is so cute in those photos.
On a side note, where is Elsie’s bag from? I love it.
It’s stuff like this that makes me love ABM so so so much! I would love to do something like this myself one day; you are all so inspiring!
What an amazing opportunity! Good for you for giving back!
That little girl’s face cutting the ribbon is just adorable!
Kristi
http://www.beloverly.com
Congratulations! What an accomplishment! I can’t wait to see the house tour!
xo Allison
I love that you ladies did this so much! I will eagerly await August!
This is so fun. I cannot wait to see the final showing.
So amazing! Congrats! Warms my heart that you put your skills and talents towards such a great cause. YOU GUYS ROCK!
Congratulations! Such an amazing and inspiring project, you guys are amazing!
http://www.noovernightguests.wordpress.com
Congratulations girls! It’s amazing to see how the internet can make you achieve so much! You girls are inspiring! I hope I could be as successful as y’all one day!
Thank you!
I love that you did this project, what an amazing achievement! I really hope they choose to sell it to a Habitat family, rather than sell it to the public and put the money back into the program. I know that they have to do what will make the most money for their program, but this home that you worked so hard on should go to someone who truly needs it, someone that has worked so hard to get a new lease on life. I have volunteered for builds in the past, and will again in the future, but my favorite part of Habitat right now is the store they run for salvage and donations, and all the amazing things you can find to use for DIY projects at a great price. 🙂 Thanks guys, you have definitely made our world a little better!
Oh girls, you rock so much! When you first announced that you would donate a house I found the idea very touching. I mean, ok, you have a very successful business but you also wanted to give something back to the community and that is amazing. Such a wonderful idea! Congratulations and I’m sure the new tenants will be sooo happy! Thank you for sharing.xoxo
(PS. Who chose Penny’s outfit?It’s brilliant! Cowboy boots worn by an 8(?)year old girl? WOW)
Such a cool thing! Well done girls!
Girls this is amazing, both of you are amazing! Thank you for being such an inspiration and never forgetting to give back to the community. I can’t wait to see the final photos, come August! 🙂
Julia
ExploresMore.com
Congratulations you guys! Well done. You are such an inspiration!
What an amazing thing to experience! So happy for you all. Your niece looks sooo much like Elsie!
Amazing!! Can’t wait to see the end results! Plus find out more about the family. Whoever it is will have such a wonderful sanctuary. <3
Congrats ABM, you all rock!!!!
This is so awesome! You guys put in a lot of hard work, and one lucky family is going to be SO stoked! I wouldn’t mind living in that house myself…. 😉
Congrats on the house! What an amazing opportunity you’ve provided to someone in need.
As a side note – Emma – I’m in love with your cat kimono, where’d you get it?!?
So great! Can’t wait to see the final results!
Congrats!
Also..Emma’s kitty kimono?!!? where from?!?! in love!
What a great project~ Thanks for the update. Now I have to ask, does your niece wear colored goggles for sunglasses ? Our grandson (almost 2yo) loves his colored goggles !
http://www.blog.oodlesofpincushions.com/
Congratulations and high five! I just have one tiny question but I never ask it, despite always wondering, because it seems a bit personal. But here I am wondering so I thought I’d try asking anyway. You can always say it’s none of my business! We sometimes see your lovely, sweet (and well dressed!) niece Penny in pictures. But not her mom or dad. Are they private people who prefer not to be in pictures? But they’re fine about Penny? Sorry I just always wonder…
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