Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) recently delivered six custom playhouses through its Playhouse Program, giving local children safe, imaginative spaces while bringing together volunteers, sponsors and community partners.
Five playhouses were gifted to families across San Luis Obispo County, while one was delivered to the Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club, where children began playing inside just moments after it was assembled.
The Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp sponsored and decorated four playhouses, tailoring each to the needs of the children who would receive them. The Rotary Club of Atascadero sponsored and decorated two additional playhouses. Together, students, interns and community leaders worked side by side to bring the colorful structures to life.
Deliveries were made to families in Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, including Habitat SLO’s first-ever donation installation. The four-by-five-foot playhouses were transported and assembled by a team that included Habitat SLO Program Manager, Colleen Stefanek; Cal Poly Girl Build organizer and Construction Management Professor, Stacey Kolegraff; and Bank of America Student Leader interns, Nathan Robasciotti and Gustavo Ocampo.
“Seeing the joy and gratitude on each child’s face as we set up their new playhouse was truly unforgettable,” said Robasciotti.” Giving them something they can call their own, a space to play and just be a kid, makes a huge impact.”
“From the moment of delivery to the final stages of building, creating these playhouses was an incredible and heartwarming experience,” added Ocampo. “One of the most rewarding parts was seeing the children’s faces light up once their playhouses were complete.”
Stefanek emphasized the value of youth leadership and education: “Partnering with the Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp for the second year was so much fun. I love seeing these young women work together while learning new skills, to create a beautiful, meaningful space for children in our community.”
At the Boys & Girls Club in Paso Robles, the excitement was immediate. “Our kiddos are having a blast playing in the playhouse, and we are so appreciative of all the people who helped make this possible,” said Alora McNulty, Flamson Club Director. As children crowded inside to explore, 7-year-old Xander summed it up simply: “Wow! This is so cool.”
Thank you Habitat SLO’s Playhouse Program gives volunteers and sponsors a hands-on way to build community while creating spaces for children to dream, play and grow. Proceeds from the program also help fund Habitat SLO’s broader mission of building homes, communities and hope.
For more information or to support Habitat SLO County, contact Dawn Smith at [email protected] or call 805-316-1192.