When Stu Vannerson first heard about the Habitat for Humanity Fiji Global Village build, it was through a simple invitation from his friend, Tim Salo.

“Tim heard about this trip and asked if I’d join him,” Stu recalls. Having volunteered on Habitat build sites in his local community for many years, saying yes felt like a natural next step. Yet, this experience had something more to offer.

Coming from the United States, Stu has witnessed the stark realities of housing inequality. While homelessness is highly visible, he reflects that even the most basic apartments often cost around US$1,200 a month, leaving many people with no option but to live in tents or on sidewalks.

“Decent housing is important because it provides safety and creates a sense of community,” he says.

Although this was Stu’s first Global Village experience with Habitat for Humanity, he was no stranger to service. Over the years, he had participated in numerous mission and work trips with his church, travelling to places such as Honduras and Jamaica, and helping communities recover after Hurricane Katrina. Each journey reinforced his belief that meaningful change happens when people come together.

One moment from Fiji, however, left the deepest impression.

“Hearing Auntie Ima talk about the circumstances facing the seniors in her community, and then meeting them myself, is something I’ll never forget,” Stu shares. Listening to their experiences transformed the build from a construction project into a deeply personal experience, reminding him that every home represents dignity, security, and hope for someone.

On the build site, Stu found joy in the everyday moments of teamwork.

“My favourite part was anything that involved working with the boys—the tech team,” he shared. Whether tackling tasks together or sharing laughs throughout the day, those moments of working together became some of his fondest memories.

For Stu, the Global Village build was more than an opportunity to build a house. It was a chance to build relationships, gain a deeper understanding of another community, and reaffirm the simple truth that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.