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Habichat: Newsletter from
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
6/8 Habitat Youth Day
Noon, 848 Cherry St. Norristown
Contact:Todd Whelan, 610-278-7710
6/14 Volunteer Greeter Training,
1:00PM, 848 Cherry St Norristown
Contact: Jenn Lawrow, 610-278-7710
6/21 Carriage Stone Homes Dedication
10AM, Green and Jacoby St, Norristown - All Welcome!
RSVP: habitat@habitatmontco.org
6/28 Volunteer Greeter Training, 9:30PM,
848 Cherry St, Norristown
Contact: Jenn Lawrow 610-278-7710 | |
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Welcome to the Neighborhood
Nine years ago, when I started as the Executive Director of Habitat, I would have never dreamed of seeing the day when this organization would dedicate an entire block. At the time, we were struggling to complete one home in eighteen months. We operated solely from the help of a dedicated group of volunteers had to "make due" with so much.
Now, almost a decade later, we operate in three communties with a dedicated staff ensuring that the homes are built as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Thankfully, some things do not change. We still operate primarily with help of so many committed volunteers, both building homes and working as members of our committees and board. However, some things do change for the better - we will complete 8 homes by the end of 2008.
Next month, the shining example of the work done by this group will be dedicated and five new families will call Carriage Stone home this summer. Providing these families with the opportunity for homeownership has been a responsibility we take very seriously, but also an honor we feel very privileged to carry out.
 I invite you to join us to the dedication of the Carriage Stone Homes on June 21, at 10AM, on Green and Jacoby Streets in Norristown. Come meet the people who made this project possible and the families who will call this neighborhood home.
Brenda Egolf-Fox
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. PA |
 In conjunction with the sponsorship of the Innovations Home at Carriage Stone, last month, the Paint Quality Institute at Rohm and Haas invited the Carriage Stone families to an evening with dinner and paint instruction. Each family enjoyed a wonderful meal and some instruction on fun paint techniques that will transform a their new houses into homes. Families took their newfound knowledge back to the construction site where they plan to choose a room to employ these wonderful techniques. Rohm and Haas has graciously agreed to donate the paint and volunteers to help them achieve a beautiful finished product. Some of the painted rooms will be on display at June 21st's dedication. |
Local Businesses Give Back!
 This summer, many Montgomery County residents will be giving back through purchases from local businesses. Two such businesses, Ray's Diner in E. Norriton and Philly Water Ice in Jenkintown have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County.
At Ray's simply present a "Ray's Team" card easily gotten through our offices or at Ray's. For each purchase you make, Ray's will donate 10% to Habitat.
At Philly Water Ice, they will donate 5% of their summer proceeds to Habitat as well.
Although it may seem like a small amount, these donations add up quickly. Last year, Ray's donations helped build a bathroom on a reconstruction project! Please support these businesses when you are out and about this summer!
If you are a business owner and are interested in this easy, fun way to support Habitat, contact Development Director, Marianne Lynch - marianne@habitatmontco.org. |
Building Gets Underway on Linden Avenue
 After breaking ground in late April on the set of Twins at 333 and 335 Linden Avenue in North Hills, construction has been moving at a very brisk pace.
Both homes have cement slab foundations and some framing done. On one twin, our dedicated staff and volunteers have already moved up to the second floor!
We are well on our way to completing the homes by our end of the year deadline. In order to meet Thrivent's goal, we are still in need of many volunteers, Lutheran, non-Lutheran, construction and non-construction - particularly on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Jennifer Lawrow at jenn@habitatmontco.org.
These homes are sponsored with a grant from Thrivent Financial For Lutherans, Thrivent Builds with Habitat Program. |
 There's Something about Mary...
Mary has been involved with Habitat for Humanity as a Campus Chapter President at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, participating in workdays and Collegiate Challenges. Throughout these activities, she caught "Habititus" and began creating awareness about homelessness.
Mary believes in the power and determination of families for a better future by being provided with the tools and resources needed. She also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya as a health educator. While immersed in a new culture and environment, she used her community resources to teach the women basic skills to keep their families healthy. The idea of sustainability has run through her experiences, especially after being exposed to the synergy of Habitat for Humanity.
She believes in the faith, skills and knowledge of families and communities to empower all around us and build a better future. She is very excited to guide and advise in the process of homeownership and is honored to witness their joy of a new beginning. |
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Habitat Volunteers Rock with Soraia! On May 1, Habitat held it's annual volunteer reception to thank all volunteers for a job well done! The evening started with a series of great awards from some of our favorite regulars to some newcomers bitten by the "Habitatitis" bug.
Keeping with the theme of the evening, volunteer Bonnie Wolcott and her sous chef/husband prepared a feast fit for a king complete with the best meatball sandwiches around!
The icing on cake came at the end of the evening with a fantastic performance by local favorite, Soraia. Thanks again to all volunteers who were able to join in the fun and thanks to all volunteers who make Habitat homes a reality in Montgomery County!
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
With that final thought, thank you again for your support and commitment to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County.
Sincerely,
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County
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