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Thank you to long-time Habitat for Humanity Detroit board member, advocate, and homeowner Sylvia Hubbard, who recently completed her term and stepped back after six years on the board! Sylvia has an incredible story and despite life’s immense challenges, was a constant source of inspiration and positivity during her time volunteering with Habitat Detroit.

About a decade ago, Sylvia’s life changed in just 8 minutes. A house fire quickly claimed the home she shared with her three children, as well as all of their belongings. A fund set up by neighbors overnight reminded Sylvia that there is hope and support in the community. From a very low place, Sylvia discovered Habitat Detroit and began looking into the program. In near-record time, Sylvia completed the homeownership process to become a homeowner!

Her positive experience going through the program inspired Sylvia to continue working with Habitat Detroit on a volunteer basis. She realized early on that she was helping people who had been through similar experiences and hardships. “I was helping an organization which did more than just build houses, they built hope when one felt all hope was gone,” Sylvia noted in a blog post.

Thanks to her enthusiasm and commitment to Habitat Detroit, Sylvia was selected to serve as the Homeowner Advocate Representative for the Habitat Detroit Board six years ago. During her final year of service, she served as the board’s Vice President. Sylvia has spent countless hours volunteering and supporting homeowners at home dedication ceremonies, at volunteer days, and at Habitat Detroit events.

“While serving on the board, Sylvia expertly represented the voice of the community and of Habitat homeowners,” remarked Stephanie Osterland, CEO of Habitat Detroit. “She was a fierce advocate for her peers, ensuring others had access to better housing and homeownership. She has truly embodied what it means to be a board member. We are honored that she chose to invest her time and attention to further our mission in Detroit.”

Sylvia’s positive attitude and omnipresent smile has been a source of so much hope and happiness over the 10+ years we’ve known her. And a decade after the tragic house fire, the Hubbard family is thriving. Sylvia’s three children are grown now, but they always have a place to call home.