Hard Work and Unshakeable Hope Habitat for Humanity Dedicates Its First Pottstown Rehab

Salif and Diddy with CEO Keith Sterling.

POTTSTOWN, PA – Under the brilliant sun of a chilly February afternoon, Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers and supporters all gathered on Cherry Street to celebrate Salif and Didy, the newest Habitat homeowners.  

The freshly renovated kitchen and living room were packed with over 40 core Habitat volunteers, staff, and community partners, each of whom had contributed to the home’s rehabilitation and spent hours dedicated to the family’s success. Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick was also in attendance and wished the family luck and prosperity, as did Habitat MontDelco CEO Keith Sterling. The staff presented the family with housewarming gifts, and Salif shared his thoughts and gratitude with the supportive crowd. “A dream come true,” Salif told 6ABC News, saying the new house represents “far more than a place to live. It’s a foundation for safety, memories, and growth.”  

The central meaning of the home dedication was summed up best by the family’s closest contact and advocate throughout the homebuying process, Homebuyer Services Manager John Guydish. "You know, if you look at the news nowadays, it might not look like there's a lot of hope. But seeing all these people here, your beautiful family, and starting you guys off on such a great journey? That's what hope really looks like." 

Parents to three young daughters, Salif and Didy rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside Habitat volunteers for months to provide their family with safe, sustainable housing. Didy joined in all building efforts despite a growing pregnant belly and attended the Feb 12^th home dedication ceremony just three days before she was due to go into labor! Their fourth daughter was delivered safely and brought back to join the family in their beautiful new home.  

Below are pictures from the dedication event. From top to bottom, left to right:  

• Salif speaks to the audience 

• Salif speaks to 6ABC News 

• Paul, site supervisor, embraces Didy 

• Salif and Didy cut the ribbon of their new Habitat home. 

• Lam, Director of Construction, takes the stage 

• Grace, Volunteers & Outreach Manager, fist-bumps Eric, core volunteer 

• John, Homebuyer Services Manager, chats with core volunteer Patti on the back porch 

• Keith Sterling, CEO, thanks core Habitat volunteers 

• Katie, COO and Crystal, Repair Project Coordinator, chat with Patti 

• Words from Stephanie Henrick, Pottstown Mayor 

• Clark, Development Associate, and Amber, Marketing Associate, on the front steps 

• Brittney, Director of Program Services, and John prepare to give remarks