Penguin Sighting in Columbia Falls, MT

8:32 a.m. First penguin sighting

On clear Saturday mornings at Habitat for Humanity Flathead Valley's neighborhood in Columbia Falls, MT, a rogue penguin can often be seen wandering the street. I spotted the penguin yesterday while painting siding from the porch roof of our current build site and observed his behavior from above. The penguin does not appear to be a threat to the neighborhood, as he waddles the streets looking for a friend to play with and examining what's going on at the build site. He's a little shy when approached and seems happiest when he is left alone to roam. Unless, that is, he finds a friend with a bike.

9:07 a.m. The penguin finds a friend

The penguin's name is Trevor*. He lives in a Habitat house and loves penguins. Ask him about the movie "Happy Feet" and he'll do a penguin dance for you. His room is covered in penguins, and he often wears a full-body penguin costume.

Trevor's life has not always been so carefree. He lives with his aunt who says that before they moved into a home, Trevor could not sleep through the night. Now that they have their own home and Trevor has his own bedroom (covered in penguins), he can sleep through the night peacefully.

This is just one small example of how permanent, safe, affordable housing can improve a child's life and why I care about working for Habitat for Humanity, raising money for Bike & Build, and advocating for affordable housing. It gives families stability, security, and a future.

And the penguins can sleep soundly at night.

*this is a name I made up