Habitat for Humanity Makes an Incremental Difference on Osage Street

In a week’s time, a structure will have arisen on Osage Street, adjacent to the community treasure Spelunkers. For the people who eventually inhabit this residential unit, it will be like unwrapping a gift, a gift that has arisen out of a labor of love.

A project spearheaded by Habitat for Humanity stands in a state of semi-completion on Osage Street. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

Of course, there is a price attached, but an affordable one, and therein lies the gift. For someone who might not know the pride of home ownership due to forbidding prices in an ever-changing market, nonprofit Habitat for Humanity has come alongside that individual by spearheading the development of this duplex, which stands in its state of semi-completion within walking distance of Martins, Rural King, and a plethora of other businesses. Executive Director Andrea Ross met with the Royal Examiner on the morning of Wednesday, September 3, to share the story behind this project.

Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Andrea Ross gives a picture to the Royal Examiner amid construction work on a vital project.

“It’s not about ego,” she said, as a crane was operating and workers came and went. She testified to the compassion of Virginia Crane, a company based in Manassas, Virginia, which is providing its services free of charge. “This benefits everyone,” she added, noting how neighbors gain when working families are given a chance to succeed. With support from Habitat for Humanity, those families will be guided every step of the way as they work toward the dream of owning a home.

(Above) a work in progress while (below) workers are making a dream come true. Courtesy of Andrea Ross.

For Ross, this project is infused by her faith. When she stands before God, she wants to be able to say that she made a difference in this world. This is hardly someone who will be waltzing past the pearly gates with absolutely no resume of goodness. It is not about ego, but it is about love, and she has been showing it ever since Habitat for Humanity acquired her as executive director in 2021. She spoke excitedly about other projects in the future, like a single-family dwelling to be constructed nearby on Osage Street. To succeed in reaching one person: that itself is a justification.