Habitat homeowner Stacey Pfeifer, a phlebotomist for over 16 years, is now facing the challenges of the pandemic the same way she faced her need for safe, affordable housing: with grit and devotion.
In 2017, when Stacey was accepted into Habitat’s homeownership program, she went all in. She and her six children had lived in a 3-bedroom apartment in an unsafe area where they could not even go outside to play, and she was determined to change that. While raising six children and working full time, Stacey completed more than the 325 sweat equity hours on her home than were required and completed them in less time: eight months, compared to the usual 12 to 18 months.
That same focus also led Stacey to adopt precautionary measures against COVID back in February while COVID-19 still seemed like a virus in a faraway part of the globe. She needed to make sure that she - and the children - stayed safe and well. She also wanted to continue to do her job so that patients could get the vital blood tests they needed. So, she started to wear a mask and take other precautions before they even became requirements.
Months later, with COVID protocols implemented and enough personal protective equipment, Stacey feels safer at her job than at the grocery store. She continues to rise to the challenge as the number of patients has increased to 150 a day - nearly double the usual daily average. There’s also the risk of exposure, but she knows how important her work is, drawing blood for COVID antibody screenings and other tests. Stacey is dedicated to making a difference in her community.
Her courage and devotion comes as no surprise to the staff at Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. After all, it was her determination to build a good life for her children that brought her to an informational meeting on how to become a Habitat partner family. The physical nature of working on building her Habitat house was challenging for her, but Habitat staff has described Stacey as “a woman who was focused on getting the job done.”
Congratulations to Stacey for being honored by Dane County Habitat as a “Her Story” COVID-19 frontline worker. We thank you for your courage and dedication, and for your service to the community.
