A bright winter sun washed over a friendly crowd on 4th Street last Sunday afternoon during the dedication and blessing of the newest Habitat for Humanity home in Berthoud. Most of the warmth though, radiated from all the people gathered to welcome the Brown family to the neighborhood.

Photo by Terry Georgia – Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers and members of the Berthoud community gather for a traditional blessing ceremony at the newest Habitat for Humanity Home in Berthoud.

Although Jeremy and Arianna Brown and their two young sons had moved in on November 18, Habitat officials wanted to give the young family time to settle in a bit before the traditional home blessing service for the community.

The ceremony took place on the front porch of the new home, where the family was joined by Ricardo Haskins, president of the board for Habitat Berthoud and Rev. Chris Mirabito, pastor of Antioch Community Church, the family’s long-time spiritual home in Ft. Collins. Haskins welcomed the family and presented a bible to the Browns, a Habitat tradition. “I want you to use this bible,” Haskins told the family, “don’t be afraid to get the pages dirty, or wear them out,” he said with a big smile, “that’s what it’s for!”

Pastor Mirabito asked the family join him in placing their hands on the house as he prayed for the Browns and spoke lovingly of the blessings the home would bring to the family.

Afterward, a reception was held at the Habitiat for Humanity office, near the new home. About 30 family, friends, neighbors, Habitat volunteers and staff, along with town officials were on hand to congratulate the Browns as they enjoyed a variety of snacks. Jan Dowker, the executive director the Habitat Berthoud, presented a festive “home sweet home” cake to make the celebration complete. Dowker was thrilled to have the Browns join the neighborhood and the worldwide family of Habitat homeowners. “A house blessing is the opportunity for everyone to get together to wish the family the very best in life,” said Dowker, “from friends and family to planning commissioners, board members, neighbors and other Habitat partners, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate together.”

Arianna Brown was especially moved by the event in honor of her family and their new home. “To get to walk into this with the friends and family who have been so supportive through this entire process is such a blessing,” she said, surrounded by well-wishers, “it’s nice to have so many people on our side, and sweet to have those people see it all come to fruition.”

This was the 19th Habitat home completed in Berthoud. Plans for more Habitat homes in town are already underway. Visit berthoudhabitat.org to find out more about what is being planned and ways to volunteer.