House #32

Carrie Riedel

Carrie was born in Pierre, South Dakota, but grew up in Brookings, South Dakota with her parents, two brothers, one sister and a dog name Lassie. She was also lucky to have such a large extended family in Brookings as well. "I spent a lot of time with my 12 cousins and 10 aunts and uncles that lived in town." She graduated from Brookings High School and earned her bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from SDSU. She currently works in the Customer Service Department at Daktronics.

Carrie has two children, Steven and Bailey. Steven is an intelligent 9 year old who loves to read. He is a third grader at Sioux Valley Elementary in Volga. When he grows up he wants to be a football player or a children's author. Bailey is a lively five year old Kindergartener. She is a girlie girl who loves to play dress up. When she grows up she wants to be a cheerleader.

Carrie decided to apply for a Habitat house after her ten year marriage unexpectedly ended. She had to move into a small apartment, where her children share a bedroom and the hallway is their playground. After she was selected to be a homeowner, Carrie said, "I'm so excited to be able to provide a home for my children. The kids have always wanted a trampoline, and now I can give them that." She is also grateful to give the children their own rooms. Steven has severe asthma and now his breathing treatments won't interfere with Bailey's sleep. To be able to give my children a clean and healthy environment is priceless.