First Steps

32,215 people in Montgomery County living below the poverty

         85% higher housing costs in Montgomery County compared to PA state

                  89% of every dollar raised goes to our sustainable homeownership programs

                           6 project ready homes in need of financial resources

When I accepted the position as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, I knew there would be some challenges to confront; challenges exist in every aspect of our lives.  For me, the question I must answer is what my response will be to these challenges.  The challenges at hand when I first arrived 4 weeks ago were not all that unusual, but they were serious and demanded my immediate attention.  A new office location, the grand opening of our restore, property acquisition and staff changes to name a few. 

My first priority is the financial well being of our affiliate.  In just a few short days I learned that our budget was unbalanced.  We faced the prospect of either incurring debt or making the difficult decision to cut expenses.  It was hard to choose the latter, but for the sake of the long-term health and mission of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, we did so.  We have tightened our expenses, made cuts where necessary and we have a development focus for the ReStore and the annual fund.  It is difficult to begin my tenure this way, but I believe the circumstances demanded a vigorous response. 

We are working with families through the homeownership process, we are building homes in three different communities in Montgomery County and the ReStore is quickly becoming a benefit to many in the community.  I am happy to report that we have already improved our financial position in four weeks. 

In just a week or so you will receive a letter for our fall appeal and I would ask that you prayerfully consider a financial gift to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. 

Helping people to help themselves is one of Habitat for Humanity's core principles. For 33 years our mission has resonated with people of various faiths and beliefs throughout the world. During our first 24 years of existence, Habitat for Humanity built 100,000 houses in partnership with people in need; in the next nine years we built 200,000 more. Today, more than one million people are living in Habitat homes in 90 different countries. Still, the need is great right here in Montgomery County.

During these difficult economic times I hope you will continue to be one of our partners as we work to help people in need.  I also want to extend a personal invitation to stop by our new offices and introduce yourself to me.  I love to meet many of our faithful Habitat supporters and would welcome the time with you!

Blessings,

Billy Dunn

Executive Director

bdunn@habitatmontco.org