This February has been particularly cold and windy. As an intern, I drive to the Habitat office in Franklin County once a month and feel the biting cold of the early morning while I wait for my car’s heater to fight the chill in the air.

I visited three Habitat home sites today: one rehab, one in-progress lot, and one unbuilt lot. Each lot is unique and will soon become a finished home for local families and individuals. My last stop on the tour was the in-progress lot. The home covers 1,200 square feet with an open-concept layout, three bedrooms and a clear view of the mountains. As I walked through, I imagined what it would look like in May after its dedication and in six months as the family prepares for the holiday season. I see a Christmas tree in one corner with toys scattered across the couch and floor. I see a birthday cake on the kitchen counter with plenty of balloons and cake for all. I see a crowd of kids running in and out of the front door during the summer, enjoying icy lemonade under the warm sun.

But for now, this home is empty. I hear the wind whistling past the house, unable to get past the new insulation. In a moment, I’ll have to step outside into the full force of the wind and drive back home. I’ll see my roommate, and we’ll drink tea, safe from the elements. But my mind will wander back to that almost-ready home, wondering where its family is as they wait for it to be completed.

Written by Joanna Story, Lancaster Bible College senior and HFHFC intern

Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County has a powerful new tool in its mission to build homes and hope, thanks to a generous donation from BWise Trailers and Brechbill Trailers. The two local businesses teamed up to provide a brand-new 12’ DT10 BWise Dump Trailer, solving a long-standing challenge at Habitat’s construction sites. Previously, Habitat relied on roll-off dumpsters for nonrecyclable debris, but those dumpsters often became filled by others overnight, causing delays and extra landfill fees. Now, the donated dump trailer offers a secure and efficient solution, allowing volunteers and homeowners to focus on what matters most—building safe, affordable housing.

Mark Story, Habitat’s Director of Advancement, expressed his gratitude: “Our volunteers and homeowners are the true beneficiaries of this generous gift. We are tremendously proud of the philanthropic spirit and community support offered by the Cumberland Valley.”

The trailer is already hard at work at Habitat’s 59th home under construction in Hamilton Township, showcasing how community partnerships can make a lasting impact.

This month I was honored to speak to nearly 800 elementary school students in Waynesboro about Habitat for Humanity and the difference it makes in our community. It was a truly rewarding experience to see young faces light up as they learned about the importance of safe, affordable housing – and how they, even at their age, can play a part in building a better world.

The students were curious and engaged and understood that we all live in community together and that we should seek ways to be kind and helpful. Opportunities like these remind me why Habitat’s mission is so powerful: it doesn’t just transform houses – it transforms lives and inspires people of all ages to come together for a common purpose. These students may not be swinging hammers just yet, but they’re learning about compassion, community, and the power of giving back. And who knows? Maybe a few future Habitat volunteers or even homeowners were sitting in that audience.

Mark Story, Director of Advancement