What Makes a House a Home

A house is an inhabited building that is empty of love. A house is a place empty of soul. A house is a building that needs warmth, family and heart. A house, though, has potential to be more than what it is. A house could be filled with all the things it is missing. A house can become an escape, a safe place. With the right love, a house can become a home. A home is a magical, safe and loving environment that wraps around you like a warm blanket. A home is comforting, and full to bursting with people who are loving and loved, kind and deserving, happy and joyful. While a house is inhabited, it is empty. A home is a safe place. A house is not a home without love. My house is a home. But a home has to start somewhere. Mine started with Grampie, who is gone, with my parents' help, building one themselves. Mine started as a house. This house was empty, but we filled it with love and joy. This house was scarce of animals, but we now have thousands of birds. My house was childless. Now I am here. All of these things, the care and love, the people, and the heart transformed this empty building into a sanctuary of all the inhabitants. My safe place. I have cried, laughed and lived in this house turned home. This home has helped me through the world as I grow. This home is not just a building, but a place to be human. To make mistakes. To feel loved. To come home and just slow down. Breathe. Smile. My life began here. Habitat for Humanity will help others begin theirs and find their own happy place. For everyone deserves a place to call home.