On Friday, February 7, I had the privilege of joining fellow Deerfield staff members and residents for a day of hands-on service with Habitat for Humanity’s Faith Build. The crisp morning air quickly gave way to the warmth of camaraderie as we gathered at the construction site of homes sponsored by the Deerfield Charitable Foundation.
Working alongside fellow Deerfield employee, Kerry Strupp, and Deerfield resident, Tim Kurtz, we spent the day insulating one of the houses—a task that may not seem glamorous but is vital to creating a comfortable, energy-efficient home. As we measured, cut, and carefully fitted the insulation into place, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this work parallels the heart of the Foundation: helping to build supportive communities where everyone can thrive.
What made this experience even more meaningful was knowing that some of our volunteers were working on The Deerfield — a home model designed specifically with aging in place in mind. This innovative design, funded by the Deerfield Charitable Foundation, incorporates features that allow homeowners to live safely and comfortably as they age. Wider doorways, step-free entrances, accessible bathrooms, and thoughtful floor plans all contribute to a space that fosters independence and dignity over the long term.
Our efforts that day were part of something profound, especially to me personally as I continue to learn about healthy aging and the barriers faced by many of the older adults in Buncombe County. I was witnessing the Foundation’s CENA findings firsthand and acting out our mission to address them. By putting in the physical work to tackle critical housing needs, we are able to better appreciate the real-world applications of this new data driven direction of the Foundation. It was both eye opening and fulfilling.
By the end of the day, we were tired but invigorated! Standing back to admire the progress made, there was a sense of accomplishment and strength not just in the structure of the house but in the bond we had formed as a team. Volunteering for the Faith Build reminded me that while it’s easy to get caught up in the routines of daily life, stepping out to serve alongside others reignites a sense of purpose and connection to the mission that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Thank you to everyone who supports our partnership with Habitat – whether volunteering on a home site or contributing to our Deerfield Cares Fund – without you, none of this would be possible. Together, we are not just building houses – we’re building safe and equitable futures for people of all ages.
Article written for Strong Foundations
By FaithAnne Bieschke