For nearly her entire life, Trilby rented—working hard as a custodian, budgeting with care, and holding onto a quiet dream of someday having a home of her own. After 24 years of service at Ivy Stockwell Elementary School, retirement brought her not only well-earned rest, but also a growing concern: what happens next?

“I’ve always had insecurity around housing. With rent increasing, I worried constantly about the future,” Trilby shared. “Now that I’ve been accepted into the Habitat program, I feel like I canbreathe. It’s a relief. I’m safe. I’m home.”

Trilby has lived in Berthoud since 1990. Her connection to the community runs deep, but her connection to the Habitat community is what changed everything. From volunteering at the ReStore to joining events and meeting neighbors, Trilby has embraced every moment with gratitude.

“I was overwhelmed by the love and support. At the Hoedown, when Tiffany introduced me, I looked around and saw a whole room full of people there for me. I’ve never had that feeling before.”

While her home was built in partnership with students at TVHS, Trilby has already invested her time and heart into the Habitat mission, logging hours, making friends, and preparing to step through the front door of a place she can finally call her own.

“This home means everything to me. I dream of a yellow kitchen. I’ll have a yard to care for, safety features for my retirement, and the peace of knowing I won’t be a burden to anyone.”

She laughs when she says she will finally have a proper backyard for the dogs she petsits for her friends. And when asked what this opportunity means for her future?

“I’ll have the freedom to explore new hobbies, maybe even travel. But more than anything, I have the freedom to just be. I am happy, joyful, and thankful.”