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William's keys to the future

 
 
COMMITTED TO SERVICE

Just before Thanksgiving, William Harding became Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s 198th homeowner, buying the Thrivent-sponsored house at 16th and Fontain Streets.

A student at Chestnut Hill College studying Human Resources, William is committed to service, and volunteers for many other organizations in his spare time.

It was actually through his job working in Human Services that lead him to Habitat. He was searching for housing options for a member of his caseload when he came across our homeownership program and decided to apply himself – and he is certainly glad he did!

William looks forward to the opportunities that homeownership will provide for him, including the ability to start a family in a safe haven. He is grateful for the generosity of Thrivent Financial and its members who contributed significant volunteer hours working on his home.

“I feel very lucky to have received such support,” said William. “Time is a commodity that cannot be replaced, which makes the contribution that much more precious. I know that there are a million other things that people could be doing with their time. Words can’t fully express the gratitude that I have.”

William was previously living in rental housing subsidized through the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Habitat’s program provided him an opportunity for homeownership that he doesn’t think he would have found otherwise.

 
 
THE POWER OF KEYS

Thrivent’s generosity towards Habitat Philadelphia is part of a broader initiative called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.

Thrivent has pledged over $12 million to help Habitat build and repair over 850 homes in the U.S. in 2016.

James Jackson, Jr. of Thrivent spoke at William’s dedication on the power of keys. “Keys can do two things,” he said.  “Keys lock up what’s behind us and in the past, and they also open doors to new beginnings, next chapters, and brighter futures.”

We have no doubt that William’s future will be bright!