We're not going to jinx it, but we are LOVING the early spring weather. This time of year is such a rejuvenating time to reenergize the spirit to keep doing great things in the community. Please take a moment to enjoy reading some updates from Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity!
Cora's Corner
What a year it’s been! I think back on the past 13 months and recall the decisions to suspend operations and figure out how to adapt to COVID-19. It was an extremely vulnerable time. We closed our affiliate office, shut the doors to our newly relocated larger ReStore (after just three months of operation), and boarded up the build sites. Our volunteers were sent home and asked staff to stay at home. Words like unprecedented, pivot and global pandemic became part of our messaging, virtual Zoom calls became the normal means of staff communication, eventually wearing masks replaced wearing make-up.
Soon there were “stay at home orders” that community leaders were formulating, social distancing, and mask mandates followed. But amidst all the communication coming at us, it became very clear that being at home was a safe place. It was our safe place. Our home which we may have taken for granted at times became our escape and safety from the world of Covid-19. It was now our family blessing along with our good health.
Reflecting on our experiences. This past year has given us renewed strength to continue with Habitat's vision that “everyone deserves a decent place to live.” The reality of what it truly means to have a home became crystal clear to so many this past year. It also reminded me that the need for our work in the community remains relevant now, more than ever. Habitat's Homeownership Program has continued to show success for families who are willing to work hard, be fiscally responsible and commit to our program, which also means taking part in the building of their home.
While we have learned to be more patient and adapted to changes like never before, we are ready to move on with a new normal. Our staff, volunteers, partner families, sub-contractors, and donors have found a way to push beyond the face of adversity and stand with our efforts. The vaccination availability is improving locally, which means sites are slowly opening up with limited volunteers, the staff is back at the office and the ReStore doors are open. It is together we as a community can and will move forward, remain aware of what we experienced, and keep those we lost forever in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Cora Haltaufderheid
Did you know?
Our organization's mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. But what does that mean? Read each month about our organization, and follow us on social media to continue learning about us. Throughout the month of April, we will be discussing the impact of adequate housing and how housing is central to ending the cycle of poverty and it can play a key role in positively influencing a family’s education, employment, and health opportunities. Visit our website for more educational tidbits.
Spring Cleaning? The ReStore Needs Your Stuff!
Cleaning out your home, garage, or basement, doing a home remodel, or moving? Keep the ReStore in mind!
Spring Tool Drive
Donations
It's back, and we're ready to greet you at our donation center with your donation of tools! If you have new or gently used tools around your garage, basement, home, or wherever that you no longer want or need be sure to donate them to the ReStore.
Spring cleaning means you might be clearing out your home and making room for new things, starting new projects and making new updates! But what do you do with the old? You bring it to the ReStore of course. Here's a few hot items needed in the ReStore:
What can you donate?
We really needFurniture I Appliances I Tools And, please donate:
The ReStore is seeking a part-time Donor and Sales Associate. The ReStore Donor and Sales Associate will be comfortable moving products (sometimes very heavy products) and will also be comfortable interacting with donors, customers, and volunteers in a positive manner.
The ReStore is seeking a full-time Sales and Merchandising Assistant. This position will be responsible for assisting in maintaining a clean, well-merchandised store, as well as providing excellent customer service. To learn more about this position and to apply, click below.
Please join us on Sunday, April 18th at The Turn for our first-annual Closest to the Pin Charity Challenge. Swing time reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be welcome! We'll be taking all measures possible to make this a safe and fun event for everyone in the community with social distancing, masks required, only one golfer in the bay at all times, sanitizing golf clubs after each use, and you can stay as long as you're comfortable or go if you're not quite ready to hang out.
Please welcome our newest families to the Homeownership Program! In March, we welcomed the Jahnke, Moua, Valentin-Carlo, and Maldonado families to the Homeownership Program and hand-delivered their surprise acceptance letters and baskets full of goodies!
Home Build Updates!
227 Buchanan Street
On March 31st, we celebrated the Crespo Roman family with the 123rd Habitat home dedication! And don't worry, if you weren't able to watch it live you can view the video stream on-demand. Please join us in saying congratulations to the family as they now get to journey to the final stages of buying their Habitat home.Click to watch the home dedication.
1253 9th Street
In March, we celebrated Internation Women Build Week and were joined by a couple of women in the community (including newswomen) to bring attention to women's access to affordable housing. We were also able to keep the 9th Street home build moving forward, and the home is in the final stages of construction! Our dedicated experienced volunteers are working hard to construct a quality home in Greater Green Bay for the Ramirez family who will soon be able to call the house a home.
