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Habichat: A Newsletter from
Growing Communities for more than 21 Years...
January, 2011
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, Feb. 1, 6:00PM: Women Build Meeting & Training Clinic
Saturday, Feb. 5, 9:30AM: Love in Action Tour, Norristown
Saturday, Feb. 5, 10:00AM: ReStore Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7:00PM: Speakers' Bureau Training
Saturday, Feb. 12, 9:30AM: Love in Action Tour, Pottstown
Saturday, Feb. 12, 10:00AM: Speakers' Bureau Training
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 10:00AM: ReStore Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, Feb. 19, 9:30AM: Love in Action Tour, North Hills
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Change
Change involves endings - the end of seasons we love as well as those difficult seasons we've simply had to endure. Familiar routines and surroundings provide at least the illusion of constancy and permanence in an ever-changing world. When a particular season in your life ends and a new one begins, understand that there will be a period of mourning for what "was." My wife Cindy has often commented that change is" a new kind of normal" and that normal can take time to adjust to...
I am happy to share with you one change at Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County that we are thrilled about - the ReStore. It was this time last year that our affiliate finalized the details of our new offices and the opening of the ReStore and the first 8 months of the ReStore have been highly successful. This success is in line with our expectations and has allowed the following...
- The ReStore will provide people in our community with the opportunity to purchase new and gently used home improvement items that will keep 6 tons of stuff out of the landfill each month.
- The ReStore will be a resource for low income families that are in need of critical care on their homes and cannot afford to shop at retail prices.
- The ReStore will generate revenue that will allow us to help more families move from substandard housing and into a safe, decent and affordable home.
As of the end of January, 2011, the ReStore has generated enough revenue to cover the costs of completing an additional home in our community. This change was really good! I would like to personally invite you to stop by and see the ReStore. Our ReStore Manager, Pat Peddie and her staff are doing a great job making this change very successful.
Blessings,
Billy Dunn
Executive Director
bdunn@habitatmontco.org
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ReStore News
It has been a busy first eight months for our ReStore. We are now open three days a week and have increased our sales space to over 8,000 sq. ft. Total ReStore sales are usually measured in terms of the cost of building a Habitat home, and our sales to date are around $100,000, enough to cover the costs of our typical "home sponsorship." We have also kept almost 45 tons of usable materials out of local landfills. A lot of people have worked together to make this possible - thanks to all of you! Donations have been a key part of this growth. Generous individuals, contractors, and corporations have contributed new and gently used remodeling items, repair materials, and furniture to the ReStore. Please continue to let your friends, business contacts, and contractors know about the ReStore. We are eager to partner with those who can provide new or steady sources of donations. Recent support from Lowe's, Gigabiter, Whirlpool, and Longhorn Steakhouse have really helped us in our mission. We are especially appreciative of the volunteers who continue to work together to make our ReStore successful. A few dedicated folks help out every week at the register, on the truck, in our prep area or on our sales floor. Many others have been generous with their time, even if only an occasional day at the ReStore. There is still a need for volunteers in all areas, particularly on Wednesdays and Fridays. Volunteer orientations are held the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Please join us to find out how you can help our ReStore further the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County! Do you want to volunteer?
We are always looking for new faces to volunteer in the ReStore! Join us for a ReStore volunteer orientation at 10am Saturday February 5 or 10am Wednesday February 16 to learn about the many volunteer opportunities available at the ReStore. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please contact Linley at linley@habitatmontco.org or (610) 278-7710 x116.
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Speakers Bureau Trainings
Do you want to represent Habitat or speak on the organization's behalf at community events? This is the perfect way to share your love of Habitat with others. Come to a training session to learn more Speakers' Bureau membership and what it entails. Trainings are scheduled for 7pm Tuesday February 8 or 10am Saturday February 12.
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First Ever Women Build Week!
May 3-7, 2011
Join Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County in hosting their first ever Women Build Week! Come build on site, hear from women who are community leaders and help Habitat build another home for a family in need.
Women Build promotes gender equity on our construction sites, empowers women who want to learn construction skills, and makes a difference by building homes and communities.
Registration: $100/person
Online registration is available at http://www.firstgiving.com/habitatmontco
For more information or if you would like a PDF registration form, please contact Linley at linley@habitatmontco.org or (610) 278-7710 x116.
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Habitat's First Ever Antiques Roadshow was a Success!
Thank you to everyone who attended our first ever Antiques Roadshow event this month! We enjoyed great food at the Jarrettown Hotel and learned about the value and significance of our own antique items from Barry Slosberg, professional antiques appraiser and auctioneer. All proceeds from the event benefited our Women Build program.
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Five New Additions to Habitat Board of Directors
Habitat has recently welcomed five new members to the Board of Directors, bringing the board membership total to sixteen individuals.
Marianne Albanese, The Sedona Group
Thomas Dalton, CPA, LarsonAllen
Joanne Kline, Montgomery County Office of Aging and Adult Services
Gary Lasher, retiree from the international telecommunications business
Janice McCracken, Royal Asian Bank.
These individuals brings a unique perspective and valuable skills and experience to our Board, and we are excited to move forward with the new members on the team!
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Thank you Recycle Bank members!
Thank you to all of the Recycle Bank members who contributed
their points to help Habitat! Between July and December 2010,
over 681,000 Recycle Bank points were donated to Habitat -
this translates into a $16,400 donation to Habitat, and more than
672,400 pounds of recyclables getting reused and saved from the the landfills. |
Wanted: ReStore Truck Assistant
We are looking for a volunteer to assist our ReStore truck drivers with picking up donated items around the county. The volunteer must be able to lift 50-75 lbs and help with loading and unloading the truck. We are looking for people to help one day a week (Wed-Sat).
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Linley at linley@habitatmontco.org or (610) 278-7710 x116. |
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New Waivers
Happy New Year! A new year means that we need new waiver forms from all of our volunteers. Please be sure to fill one out the next time you volunteer, or click here to visit our website to fill one out now. Thanks!
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"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction."
- Winston Churchill
With that final thought, we invite you to reflect on the changes afoot at Habitat and join us as we continue moving forward!
Sincerely,
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