We never imagined a time like the present, did we?
In the midst of so much stress and change, one thing remains certain – Habitat’s work has never been more important. With the order to “stay home,” I’m reminded of all our Jefferson County neighbors who live in housing that is substandard or unaffordable. Habitat is more committed than ever to the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live!
For now, we need to adapt how we work.
- We’ve stopped construction on four homes and postponed the April groundbreaking on two more while we determine how and when we can safely restart a limited amount of construction.
- We are shifting our critical home repair program in Brinnon and Quilcene to emergency repairs only during the Covid19 crisis. We plan to work primarily through licensed subcontractors, injecting much-needed dollars into an important sector of our local economy and providing low- income homeowners a vital resource.
- We are providing resources and support to our 48 current homeowner families, many of whom are experiencing a loss of income. It’s critical they keep their homes, even as they work to re- establish their income.
- We continue to provide support and education to current partner families who are working toward homeownership, so they can achieve their goal of decent housing.
- We are increasing our work with potential future partner families, helping them to become financially ready for homeownership. We expect to offer remote orientations soon.
- All staff are either on standby or working from home, where we are tackling projects long planned but difficult to carry out when the work is full speed, things like developing a tool inventory system, updating the homeowner education program, planning to deep clean the stores, organizing, painting, and planning-planning-planning.
- Thanks to one of our donors, we recently acquired a one-acre parcel of land in Port Townsend that’s large enough for 14 affordable homes; we’re working on plans to install the street and utilities. We’ll be watching for opportunities to buy more land at reduced prices.
I want to particularly call attention to the generosity of so many of you who are reaching deep to help others in this time of crisis. With the temporary closure of our Habitat stores, we’ve lost an important source of funds. Many thanks to Rick and Debbie Zajicek, who last week donated $25,000 as a matching challenge grant to ensure Habitat’s work goes forward. (If you’d like to help match their challenge, please let me know, or note it when you mail your check or give online.)
We can’t wait for the day Habitat volunteers gather again, side-by-side, raising hammers to build homes. We can’t wait to welcome back our Habitat store volunteers, and to see them welcome back Habitat store customers, once again raising money and awareness to build healthy, affordable homes.
Until then, we are here, working from home to keep the work of Habitat moving forward. Thank you for your partnership in this work. We can’t wait to see you again, soon. Until then, stay safe and well.
Gratefully, Jamie