Chapel of the Cross has been a long-standing partner of Orange Habitat since its founding in the 1980s. Throughout our history, they have helped build homes across Orange County, by providing both volunteer and financial support. Most recently, on September 30, they organized a unique, cross-generational Community Building Day for their congregation. It started as a vision of parishioner and Habitat supporter, Catherine Lerner’s and evolved through the leadership of herself, fellow parishioner, Claire West, and a subcommittee within the church.  

The goal was to create a service opportunity for everyone, from younger children to those who don’t feel physically able to be out in the sun all day. “We are proud the church has all walks of life, and we thought the Community Day should celebrate that”, said West during The Chapel of the Cross’ podcast interview. Nearly 50 volunteers from Chapel of the Cross signed up to help build at Weavers Grove that day. Meanwhile at the church, volunteers watched the young children of the construction volunteers while the kids learned a Habitat themed curriculum. Other volunteers baked and packaged cookies for Meals on Wheels, made cards for homebound meal recipients and made lunch for the volunteers out on the build site. We are grateful for the turnout of motivated volunteers and the careful thought that went into including everyone in building community. To learn more about their community Building Day, listen to The Chapel of the Cross Podcast here.  

Thank you, Chapel of the Cross, for your time and dedication to Habitat!