Lake Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity prepares next home at Pumpkin Lane, welcomes Anaya family

CHELAN — The Pumpkin Lane neighborhood is growing, bringing new life and new opportunities for affordable homeownership to the Lake Chelan Valley. Habitat for Humanity is preparing to break ground on its next home in partnership with Roberto and Navidad Anaya and their three children, while also planning six additional homes to follow.

For Roberto and Navidad, the new home represents a long-awaited opportunity to put down permanent roots in the community they have called home for nearly two decades. Roberto, a third-generation Chelan resident, and Navidad have built their lives around family, work, and community involvement. Their children attend local schools and participate in sports and activities that connect them deeply to Chelan life.

Despite their strong ties, the Anayas have faced challenges in finding adequate and affordable housing. Their current home is overcrowded and no longer meets their needs. Without Habitat’s help, the family feared they would have to move away from the community they love.

“Family is the most important thing to us,” said Navidad. “My dream is to be able to walk into our home and feel relief, safety, and security—not stress.”

Roberto said the experience has been humbling and uplifting. 

“Everyone needs help sometimes, and everyone can help others,” he said. “We just have to be willing to accept it. We are so grateful that Habitat and this community are willing to help us.”

He reflected on their early years together, recalling times when money was scarce and work meant long hours away from family.

“It was hard, but I was always thankful to be able to work,” he said. “Others helped us through those times, just like Habitat is helping us now. We are truly thankful.”

Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Michelle Fanton said the Anayas’ story represents the mission at the heart of the organization’s work in the Chelan Valley.

“This family represents the heart of Chelan—hardworking, deeply rooted, and committed to building a better future,” Fanton said. “By supporting Habitat, our community is ensuring that families like theirs don’t have to leave but can continue to thrive here.”

Habitat is already looking ahead to additional homes at Pumpkin Lane. The organization is in the planning phase for six more houses designed to meet a range of family sizes and needs.

“We are seeing an increase in housing need across all demographics in our community, but especially among low-income working families, seniors, and those with disabilities,” Fanton said. 

“We have been working hard with Forte Architects out of Wenatchee to create almost a ‘community within a community’ at Pumpkin Lane, so we can build a variety of home sizes and layouts to meet as much need as possible.”

For the Anayas, this new home symbolizes far more than a structure—it is stability, hope, and a promise for the future.

“We think this is the best community,” Roberto said. “I’ve grown up here, I know the people, and it’s a place that helps others. We don’t want to leave—but without this opportunity, we would have had to.”

Construction on the Anaya family’s home is expected to begin soon, and Habitat for Humanity will once again invite volunteers and supporters to take part. The organization’s mission remains to bring people together to build homes, community, and hope—values that continue to shape the Chelan Valley.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.