On September 13, Orange Habitat welcomed volunteers to Weavers Grove for a special day of service. In honor of those who served and sacrificed on September 11, 2001, we brought together veterans, first responders, and community volunteers for a day of service and connection. 

This year’s project invited the community to join master gardeners on site, with a special emphasis on outreach to veterans and first responders. The 9/11 Memorial Build Day is designed to foster new connections across our community by linking those who have protected our country and responded to local emergencies with neighbors and supporters working together to create a better future. Through shared labor, meals, and conversation, we aim to promote healing, resilience, and deeper understanding. 

This opportunity was made possible through a grant from Habitat for Humanity International, connected to the AmeriCorps program. Each year, AmeriCorps highlights Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January and 9/11 in September as National Days of Service, encouraging service members—and the communities they serve—to come together in meaningful ways. 

At Habitat, we believe in building more than homes. We build opportunities for neighbors to connect, learn, and serve side by side. The 9/11 Day of Service at Weavers Grove reflected that mission, honoring the past while sowing seeds of hope for the future.