CUTLINE: Jeffer P. and Daughter, Juliette, pose with Jeffer’s family and friends during his home dedication held in October 2024 at his house in Cornerstone Creek.

Habitat Homeowner Says Volunteer Program ‘Touches His Heart’

Jeffer P., an IT project coordinator at Hobby Lobby, choked up while expressing his gratitude during his Habitat home dedication in Cornerstone Creek on Oct. 3, 2024.

“Thank you to the Habitat for Humanity family that made this dream come true and allowed me to be part of this program,” Jeffer said before thanking his daughter, Juliette, age 12, and his parents, who attended the celebration. He later said he was particularly moved by the volunteers who helped build his home, noting the extraordinary impact of their selfless work.

“It touched my heart because this is the result (pointing at his home) of people sweating and working with no benefit because they’re volunteering,” Jeffer said. “That makes it special. You also know that other people helped you build your home.

“I also helped on other guys’ houses. If we as a nation had an idea of how helpful eight hours of volunteering is (and) how much it would benefit others, things would be different because there would be thousands of hours of work we could do for the good of the whole community.”

Originally from Colombia, South America, Jeffer moved to America eight years ago to seek better opportunities for his family. He enrolled in college, earned an associate’s degree in cybersecurity, and is now working on his bachelor’s degree. He hopes to become an IT project manager someday. Jeffer said he lived in an apartment when he applied early this year to become a new Habitat homeowner because he wanted a more stable and secure place to live while raising his daughter. “My daughter is the most important person in my life,” he said.

The hard-working father divides his free time between studying for IT classes and enjoys bike riding and outdoor activities with his daughter. “

Coming to the U.S. has been challenging but also a blessing for us,” Jeffer said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities provided by Habitat and its staff. It is also amazing how new homeowners volunteer to help build their own and others’ homes.”