RHINELANDER — Rachel Metzer, a dedicated Navy veteran and certified nursing assistant (CNA) will build a permanent home in Rhinelander through Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin.

After years of serving her country and her community, Metzer is now joining forces with local volunteers to build a stable springboard for her family’s future.

For Metzer and her three children — Colton, Mackenzie, and Hadley — this home represents a catalyst for a brighter future. The family has called Rhinelander home for four years. Using her prior experience, Metzer has been building skills her whole life leading up to this challenge, including the four years she spent in the Navy as an aircraft handler on the USS Nimitz.

“My time in the Navy taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of being part of a team,” she shared. “Those experiences shaped who I am today and taught me what it means to be a reliable partner.”

For the past four years, Metzer has continued her service as a CNA at Rennes, a role that demands patience, calm under pressure, and deep commitment to those who rely on her for their daily needs. Now, she is applying that same dedication to her “participatory building” hours on her future home.

She first heard about the program through a co-worker who is also a Habitat homeowner. She is particularly eager to work alongside the volunteers.

“There is something deeply meaningful about building a home with the people who are volunteering their time,” Metzer said. “Knowing the care with which this home is being built makes me incredibly proud to be part of this project.”

According to Dave Havel, executive director for Habitat for Humanity Northwoods, economic growth starts with a home.

“Not just because homebuilding is a core part of the global economy, but because a safe, affordable home allows us all to be independent, find and keep stable work, grow wealth, and plan for the future. We know that the opportunity for a stable home starts a multiplier effect, leading to better health, safety, and prosperity for the entire family,” Havel said.

Habitat invites the community to join this collective effort.

“Whether picking up a hammer or donating to the project, your support ensures that neighbors in Oneida and Vilas County have the foundation they need to succeed,” Havel added. “Together, we are building more than just a house; we are building community and hope.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin, visit habitatnorthwoods.org. To inquire, email dave.havel@habitatnorthwoods.org, or if interested in volunteering, email volunteer@habitatnorthwoods.org.

About Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin

Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin was incorporated in 1997 and completed its first home build in 1998. Its three main service areas are the communities surrounding Eagle River, Rhinelander and Woodruff, in Oneida and Vilas counties.

Together with the families it serves, Habitat has built close to 30 homes located in Arbor Vitae, Eagle River, Hazelhurst, Lac du Flambeau, Land O’ Lakes, Minocqua, Phelps, Rhinelander, and St Germain.

It also has a home repair program that has served people living in their own homes throughout Oneida and Vilas counties.