Interview: Katie Holtman, Rebuilder

Katie Holtman, senior community relations representative with Stewart Title Guaranty Company, is involved with Rebuilding Together at the local and national levels. We recently asked Katie about her commitment to safe and healthy housing, from volunteering alongside Stewart Title colleagues at more than a dozen Rebuilding Together sites across the country, to serving on the board of directors of Rebuilding Together Seattle.

How did you first learn about Rebuilding Together?

I first learned about Rebuilding Together when I joined a cleanup crew in Houston after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It was one of those experiences that stays with you. Seeing neighbors show up for neighbors in such a tangible way really left a mark on me.

Why do you think Rebuilding Together’s mission is important?

Rebuilding Together’s mission is so important because its impact goes far beyond the walls of a single home. It supports homeowners and families, yes, but it also strengthens entire communities. There’s something incredibly powerful about an organization that can make such a deeply personal difference while also creating generational, community-wide change.

How does Stewart Title’s commitment to communities align with Rebuilding Together’s work?

At Stewart, we believe that great companies and great people think beyond themselves. Supporting the communities where we live and work is core to who we are. Partnering with Rebuilding Together across its affiliates allows us to live out that commitment in a really meaningful, hands-on way.

What prompted you to get involved with Rebuilding Together’s affiliate in Seattle?

Moving to Seattle was a bit of a whirlwind, and getting involved with the local Rebuilding Together affiliate felt grounding and familiar. Being active with Rebuilding Together Seattle helped me feel like a true member of the community, like I wasn’t just living in the city but contributing to it. A city can give you so much, but giving back makes that relationship feel truly symbiotic. It felt like the right step toward making Seattle feel like home.

Last year, you traveled to six Rebuilding Together projects across the country where Stewart Title employees volunteered. Can you tell us about that experience?

Traveling to builds is honestly one of my favorite parts of my job. I get to meet people from all over the country, both from Stewart and from Rebuilding Together and see firsthand how each affiliate responds to the unique needs of their community. I’ve now worked on builds in 14 different cities, which still blows my mind. I feel incredibly lucky to have meaningful connections with volunteers, affiliate teams, and homeowners in so many diverse places.

What is your favorite part of a Rebuilding Together volunteer day?

My favorite part is the end of the day, when everyone can step back and see the impact they’ve made in just a few hours. There’s such a strong sense of pride and accomplishment, paired with a deep respect for a home and family you may not have known before that morning.

Why should others support Rebuilding Together and get involved in their communities?

Rebuilding Together is truly special in the way it protects, uplifts and strengthens communities while also restoring safety, security and health within individual homes. I don’t know of another organization that does that in quite the same way. I’d encourage anyone to get involved in their local community and especially to seek out their local Rebuilding Together affiliate if they can. The people you meet and the experiences you gain along the way are the things that really make life good.