There are some mornings that simply stay with you, and the 2026 Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County’s Foundations Breakfast was one of them.

From the moment the room filled with community members, partners, and supporters, there was a shared sense of purpose. It wasn’t just about fundraising (though the incredible outcome of over $100,000 raised speaks for itself); it was about something deeper. It was about coming together around a belief that safe, stable housing has the power to transform lives.

At The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), we often talk about connecting generosity to community need in meaningful and lasting ways. The work of Habitat for Humanity exemplifies that perfectly. Their mission is not only impactful, it’s also tangible. You can see it in the homes they build, the families they support, and the futures they help reshape.

One of the most powerful moments of the morning was hearing from Ryan, whose family benefited from Habitat’s work. His story was deeply personal, honest, and incredibly moving. It served as a reminder that this work is not just about housing, it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity. It’s about creating a foundation, literally and figuratively, that allows families to move forward with confidence.

What stood out most was how clearly that impact extends beyond one generation. Ryan’s story wasn’t just about where his family has been, it was also about where they were and are going. That is the true power of Habitat’s work in Franklin County. It creates ripple effects that will be felt for years to come.

Events like the Foundations Breakfast are important not just because of what they raise, but because of what they reinforce. They remind us that when a community shows up, when people invest in one another, then real change happens.

TFEC is proud to partner in and support this work. It is an honor to stand alongside organizations like the Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County that are making such a meaningful difference every single day.

At TFEC, we believe that, “alone we have ideas but together, we take action.” And that was the takeaway from the morning. Impact like this doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people come together with purpose and take action to create something lasting for others.

By: Erin Gilbert, TFEC

Another great day of building hope with Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County! At our Buchanan Trail West build site in Greencastle, the Franklin County Commissioners joined us on the worksite for the very first time as construction volunteers. Often present at dedications, we thank Commissioner Dean Horst, Chair, Commissioner John Flannery, Vice Chair, and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski, Secretary, for modeling service and leadership.

This is our 61st Habitat home in Franklin County, built by volunteers, and its foundation rests on more than just wood, nails, and concrete. Each year, the commissioners allocate Housing Trust Funds to Habitat, helping us purchase building lots, including this very lot in Greencastle. Their investment in affordable housing strengthens the fabric of our community, but today their investment went beyond dollars. With power tools in hand, the commissioners helped bring the dream of homeownership one step closer for our local homebuying family.

Among the projects they tackled was the installation of a very special “Jimmy Carter” door, an enduring symbol of Habitat’s values of faith in action, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live. Earlier this year, donors signed their names on the Carter door as part of a campaign that helped make this home a reality. President Carter’s legacy reminds us that building homes is about more than shelter; it’s about building hope.

Our work is always a community effort, and today we felt that spirit deeply. A huge thank you to Lizzy’s, the nearby restaurant that provided a delicious meal to keep our crew fueled and energized. Local businesses like Lizzy’s remind us that generosity takes many forms, and that every act of kindness, whether swinging a hammer or cooking a meal, helps make Habitat’s mission possible.

Together, elected officials, businesses, volunteers, and donors are writing the next chapter of affordable housing in Franklin County. Every hand makes a difference. Every gift builds hope. And every partner brings us closer to a future where everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.

Lunch provided by Lizzy’s – thank you!

Last week, we had the joy of welcoming a fantastic team from Keller Williams Realty in Chambersburg, PA to our Greencastle build site for a Habitat Workday Experience — and what a day it was!

With sleeves rolled up and hearts wide open, the Keller Williams crew brought energy, enthusiasm, and excellence to the job site. Their hands-on support directly advanced our current build, helping move us one step closer to providing safe, affordable housing for a local family.

This partnership is more than a one-day event — it’s a shining example of what happens when businesses invest in their communities through service. We are deeply grateful for Keller Williams’ commitment to making a difference where it matters most: right here at home.

To the Keller Williams team: thank you for your hard work, generosity, and spirit. You’re helping us build more than just houses—you’re helping build hope.

Want to get your team involved? Learn more about our Workday Experience here.