Meet the Callahans

Habitat for Humanity builds homes. That’s something most people are familiar with. The ripple effect that Habitat has on partner families is perhaps something less familiar. For the Callahans, partnering with Habitat and the promise of a new home has rescued their relationship. In their young lives, Brooke and Cody Callahan have experienced numerous challenges, including housing and job insecurity, but the relational capital they’ve built has been a most remarkable consequence.

“It’s been a lifesaver. It’s not only been a lifesaver, it’s been a relationship saver also,” says Brooke as she reflects on her Habitat experience.

“Before Habitat, Cody and I were having some personal issues. I think we even split up at one point. We continued to co-parent the kids, but at that point, we thought there’s no reason to keep trying.”

Since partnering with Habitat, so much has changed.

Cody and Brooke beat the odds and got married in September of 2020. When they break ground on their new home at the end of this year, they’ll be on their way toward the milestone of homeownership.

The partnership with Habitat has strengthened and deepened Brooke’s relationship with her mom as well. Since all Habitat homeowners must volunteer a minimum of 350 hours before receiving the keys to their home, Brooke and Cody have regularly leaned on grandma for childcare. Brooke’s mother has been with the young couple every step of the way.

Ironically, Brooke almost didn’t apply to Habitat because she feared the burden of fulfilling volunteer hours while being responsible for two young children. Quite the contrary, she’s been surprised by the relative ease she’s had to meet the volunteer hour requirements, as her mother has stepped in to watch Raegan, age six, and Bentley, age four, as needed. It’s a meaningful turn of events, as, in the past, Brooke’s mom had her concerns about the young couple’s future together.

That future is bright! On a beautiful November morning, Brooke sits relaxed on a park bench and freely shares her story of growing up and growing together with her nuclear and extended family. She and Cody have their lives in front of them. They’re young, working and studying, and making plans for a better life. With the support they have found through their extended family and Habitat, their future is bright and brimming with opportunity.

Brooke, 26, is a full-time student majoring in psychology with a concentration in child and family studies at EKU. Cody, 27, is a welder at Qualex in Richmond. They were shocked and thrilled when Habitat called to inform the couple of their acceptance as a partner family. Cody couldn’t believe the news. He needed Brooke to send a picture of the official letter.

Their current home, a trailer with a rickety deck, dilapidated roof, and unreliable appliances, will be only a memory come summer when the Callahans move into their new Habitat home in Berea. This new home will be less than a mile from Silver Creek Elementary School, where Raegan and Bentley will attend. Brooke and Cody are thankful that their kids will enjoy a safe home and the opportunity to dream. The children are dreaming of a pool, swing set, trampoline, and a dog.

Brooke sees partnering with Habitat as an opportunity for her children to learn lessons about hard work, resilience, and positive outcomes.

“I think this is going to teach them that with hard work comes rewards. There may be struggles in the beginning, and there may be the whole time that you’re doing the hard work, but in the end, you’re going to be rewarded,” she says.

Building homes, building hope, and building relations. The rewards from partnering with Habitat are many, and Cody and Brooke are experiencing the rich rewards of relationship, security, and a brighter future!