A Family that Builds Together…

When people think of Habitat volunteers, mothers and daughters may not come to mind, but here at Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity (SNHfH) we are used to seeing families join forces to help their community.

Tracy Moresi-Lorentzen, our Executive Assistant & Event Manager, has been with SNHfH for over 4 years. She first joined our team in February 2016 after applying for an internship with the organization, and eventually moved her way into a full-time roll. Tracy has a husband, Per, and five children; Anthony (28), Morgan (26), Kristin (24), Nicholas (23), and Gianna (20). Over time, some of her children would get to experience Tracy‘s work first-hand.

“When I first went into the Habitat office, I knew right away I wanted to be a part of what they were doing,” said Tracy. “Everyone had such big hearts, and I could see the impact they were making on the community.”

When Tracy‘s daughter Kristin expressed interest in earning an architecture degree, she invited her to volunteer on a Women’s Build in Vallejo (pictured below) to give her a new perspective on the building process.

“Kristin was fearless that day, and we had such a great time,” said Tracy. “She learned to work with tools, helped on the rafters, and really jumped right in. It was so nice to be able to work on a project with her as a mother-daughter team, and give to something bigger than ourselves.”

Tracy also invited her daughter Gianna to join her on SNHfH’s most recently completed build, the Veteran’s Residence in Dixon.

“Once Gianna was shown what to do, she really worked hard and had a good time,” said Tracy. “Gianna stretched herself that day, and it was great seeing her take direction and learn to use tools.”

Tracy was planning to take a trip with her daughter Morgan, and brought up the idea of volunteering with Habitat International’s Global Village program, a unique opportunity to volunteer abroad and immerse in another culture.

“Right after I mentioned this idea of traveling abroad with Habitat, Morgan researched it online and a couple hours later decided she wanted to travel to Jordan,” said Tracy. “This opportunity in Jordan is unique because you actually get to stay on-site and eat dinner with local families. The opportunity to build side-by-side with people of the community and really experience the culture – I knew it would be life-changing for us.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put many things on hold, including Tracy and Morgan’s volunteer trip to Jordan, but they are hopeful the trip will happen in 2021.

“As a mother, I’m so grateful to work at a place where I can actually bring in my children to experience what I do, and know what it is like to build a house for someone who could not otherwise have that opportunity,” said Tracy. “To have your hands touch it, even one nail, and know that you helped change someone’s life is incredible. My girls will understand that experience, and they will grow up knowing that if you’re in a position to help others, you should. That’s our responsibility.”