When jewels buy houses...

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - If you love accessories and all things girly, Habitat for Humanity has an event for you.

Jump into Jewels has been a 15-year fundraiser for the nonprofit, and they’re holding a 2-day event.

Now this year, it will be held at the new ‘My Front Door’ location, and it’s not only a chance to have a night out, but it also raises a lot of money for a great cause.

Habitat for Humanity is holding its big annual fundraiser Friday and Saturday.

“You know it’s just a fun time. As a kid, if you ever liked playing in your Mom’s jewelry box, then this is the event for you,” said Amy B. Bennett, Chair for Jump Into Jewels.

Jump into Jewels is a sale of donated jewelry, purses, and scarves, with all proceeds going towards Habitat for Humanity.

“Having a stable affordable home is really the key to breaking the generational cycle of poverty and lifting families out of that, and bringing them into the community,” said Dan Dorsch, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity.

This organization is breaking ground on two single-family homes on Wills Road in July.

Experts say that their work can help make housing affordable for low-income or workforce families, but the housing shortage is real.

“There’s a shortage of homes throughout the community, so building homes now is more important than ever and especially building affordable homes,” said Dorsch.

There is a 1,800-unit waiting list in Cheyenne and Laramie County and 1,400 in Natrona, with only 250 units being built annually.

Experts say these numbers don’t include the need for workforce housing, which makes up over 50 percent of the median income, disqualifying these folks as ‘low income.’ Still, they also fall short of being able to pay current high mortgages.

The Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity says funding, codes, zoning, and bureaucracy remain the biggest obstacles to building more affordable housing.

And with few subsidies to bring costs down, Habitat’s model relies on voluntary labor and community donations.

“We couldn’t make this happen without our sponsors and donors and, of course, our volunteers. They are the heart of the event and we a appreciate them so so much,” said Arin Schlensker, Marketing Director for Habitat for Humanity.

The event runs Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at 3260 Nationway, Cheyenne, and Saturday with a Champagne Brunch on Saturday from 10 am to 1 and free admission from 1 pm to 4 pm.

For tickets to the event, click here.

Copyright 2023 KGWN. All rights reserved.