HAMLET — Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandhills hosted a dedication for Kashena Hubbard and her two sons, Josiah and Omari, at their new home on Beeler Avenue.
“Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope,” said Olivia Webb, development director for Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandhills, at the ceremony. “We help families who live and work in these counties build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.”
The organization serves Moore, Hoke and Richmond counties.
“We believe everyone deserves a safe, decent and affordable home,” Webb said.
Christy Brewster, homeownership manager, said she works with homeowners throughout the process.
“I have the privilege of walking our homeowners through their entire journey— from application, until 30 years after they close on their home and pay their final mortgage payment,” Brewster said.
“Today, we’re going to be celebrating more than just a home— we are celebrating so much incredible passion… most importantly, celebrating this amazing woman right here, Kashena,” said Brewster.
Brewster said Hubbard spent 300 hours working alongside other Habitat homeowners and volunteers and attended 22 hours of homeownership classes over the past two years.
“Today is a special day,” said Brewster. “Today, she’s home, and we are so proud of the work that she’s done.”
Brewster said Hubbard was at the jobsite “every single day” at 7:45 a.m. after working third shift.
“She earned this house. ‘I want to you remember, every day when you unlock that door, that you earned it,’” Brewster said to Hubbard.
Hubbard said her aunt encouraged her to attend an informational class for potential applicants, where she learned how to get approved. Hubbard said she doubted herself because she had credit card debt but waited until the last day to submit her application.
Once Hubbard received the call that she had been approved, she began taking her classes. She said her children came out on landscaping day, “and it was a great experience for us.”
“It was a long process, because I’m a girly girl. I’ve never used hammers, chop saws… but I got it done,” Hubbard said.
Michelle Parrish, executive director of the United Way of Richmond County, said volunteers from the organization’s Days of Caring volunteer event helped build Hubbard’s home and others in Richmond County.
“For the past 16 years, our Days of Caring has included some form of a building project, and for most of these years, we’ve partnered with Habitat,” Parrish said. “Together, we’ve helped families move closer to the dreams of homeownership, building not just houses, but homes, where memories will be made for years to come.”
According to Parrish, 65 volunteers devoted more than 325 hours of service to help the Hubbard family build their new home.
“That’s 325 hours of community, compassion and commitment put into one project. I even had the opportunity to work on this home myself this year,” said Parrish.
“Being on site, nail gun in hand— which I’m certified to use, y’all— along with our volunteers and future homeowner, was a powerful reminder of why this partnership matters,” Parrish said. “You see firsthand the hope, determination and gratitude that makes this mission so special.”
“United Way is proud to stand alongside Habitat to strengthen families and build a stronger Richmond County,” said Parrish.
In 2025, Habitat spent $300,000 on 28 repairs in the county.
The application period for Habitat for Humanity opens Aug. 1 and will remain open for two weeks. For more information on how to apply for a Habitat home, repairs or volunteer opportunities, visit sandhillshabitat.org or call 910-295-1934.