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Loaves and Fishes
HFHC eNewsletter |
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CAMP COLORADO: Building Blocks for Success a True Success!
 Despite a bit of snowy May weather, over 200 individuals from 32 affiliates across the states of Colorado and Wyoming gathered for training, networking and fellowship at Estes Park, CO from May 14- 17. Affiliates were treated to over 20 workshops on a variety of topics including: ReStores, Board Governance, Policy Management, Resource Development and Family Selection. The high caliber classes inspired affiliates to return to their local communities with new skills and best practices.
Affiliates commented on several highlights of the conference including the State of Affordable Housing Plenary sponsored by Wells Fargo and the Networking Café sponsored by CHFA. Attendees also met with more than 18 exhibitors over a cup of great Luna Coffee on a variety of topics from direct mail to nonprofit resources providing each affiliate with a plethora of new ideas, tools and resources.
The conference was not all work as participants had plenty of time to play while enjoying smores around the Camp Fire, attending the Award Dinner and Wine Tasting on Friday evening and rocking and rolling around the skate rink while trying not to slip and fall.
Camp Colorado: Building Blocks for Success was a success because of the generous support of our sponsors: CHFA, Wells Fargo, Community Banks of Colorado, Key Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, True Sense Marketing and Energy Outreach Colorado. In addition HFHC would like to thank the conference planning committee and Estes Valley HFH for their help in coordinating and volunteering during the event.
Dates for next year's conference will be coming in July! If you would like to serve on the planning committee please contact karen@habitatcolorado.org.
Click here to see pictures from this year's conference. Please email your own pictures from the conference to add to the website to ryan@habitatcolorado.org.
Habitat of Colorado would appreciate each participant completing the following online evaluation click here to complete the survey.
We value your feedback and will use it to help plan for Camp Colorado 2009 and future training events. | |
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| HFHI Corner
Habitat on the Hill - June 15-18
Habitat's preiminent advocacy conference held in Washington DC kicks off in two weeks. Click here for more info. | |
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Habitat for Humanity of Colorado Celebrates Affiliates' Success at Camp Colorado!
During the 2008 Annual Award Dinner at Camp Colorado: Building Blocks for Success, HFHC and affiliates from across the state had the opportunity to recognize outstanding contributions from individuals and affiliates. Three awards were presented which included the Lee Kundtz Volunteer of the Year Award, the Executive Director Award for Leadership, and the Nicholson Award for Innovation in Capacity Building.
Bonnie Baril from HFH of Gunnison Valley received the Lee Kundtz Volunteer of the Year Award. Bonnie has served the Gunnison Valley affiliate for the past 13 years. She has held a variety of roles with the affiliate including Board Secretary and Treasurer as well as serving as long standing member of the Family Selection Committee. The affiliate wrote as part of her nomination, "Her wisdom, patience, and compassion for humanity is inspiring and a true blessing to our affiliate." Congratulations and thank you Bonnie for your commitment to Habitat!
HFHC was excited to recognize David Emerson, Executive Director for St. Vrain HFH, as the first recipient of the Executive Director Leadership Award. David was selected as he best embodied the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ken Schuetz, Board President for the affiliate commented in the nomination for Dave, "Over the past year, David has provided leadership in revising our affiliate's strategy in the areas of human resource management, accounting and staffing levels. In addition, he has influenced his directors to improve family selection, construction, church relations and volunteer coordination efforts. In other words, David has proven his ability to lead directly and through other leaders."
One of the highest honors of the night went to Fort Collins HFH who was selected by their peers for the first Affiliate Award for Innovation. Prior to announcing the winner, Karen Harkin, Vice President of HFHC, announced that this prestigious award honoring innovation in capacity building would be named in honor of HFHC Board President, Dan Nicholson. Throughout Dan's tenure with HFHC he provided bold leadership for the state which included the transformation of HFHC's governance structure, an increase in funding to affiliates by 500 %, and an expansion of the Prison Partnership.
Fort Collins HFH received the Nicholson Award for Innovation in Capacity Building for their work in the area of family selection. Fort Collins HFH recently streamlined their family selection process, which is now made up of 16 members divided into four teams. Each team includes one member from each of the following categories: finance/banking, local housing agency, family selection veteran, and a family selection rookie. Affiliate representatives attending Camp Colorado were able to submit a vote for the affiliate that had the most innovative program.
In addition to the award plaques, the Volunteer of the Year and Executive Director of the Year's affiliates were given $150 in the winner's name. The Fort Collins HFH received $250 in honor of winning the Nicholson Award for Innovation in Capacity Building. As part of his continued commitment to HFHC and the affiliates in Colorado, Dan Nicholson has pledged a significant commitment to match the award funding for the Nicholson Award for Innovation in Capacity Building. He is truly honored by this recognition and wants to continue to encourage affiliates in the area of capacity building. Congratulations to all of our affiliates!
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Habitat Colorado Awarded HFHI Housing Trust Fund Grant
Habitat for Humanity of Colorado has been chosen by Habitat International from a field of 10 state support organizations to receive a $50,000 advocacy grant. The grant, given to fund a temporary advocacy position, will allow Habitat Colorado to advocate for the state Housing Investment Fund Initiative planned for the ballot in November. HFHI created the grant to support their number one advocacy goal, creating housing trust/investment funds in every state.
The new staff member will spend most of his/her time traveling to communities with Habitat affiliates to inform Habitat staff, volunteers, and community members about the need for a dedicated, flexible source of affordable housing funding. |
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Housing Investment Fund Campaign is Underway
The campaign to create a Housing Investment Fund for Colorado is underway! As you know, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado is committed to seeing the successful establishment of a housing investment fund in Colorado in 2008. In order to spread awareness about our campaign and gather enough signatures to place the initiative on the ballot, we must reach voters across the state. We are urging each of the affiliates to join a large network of organizations, businesses, and people already dedicated to seeing a Housing Investment Fund for Colorado. We aren't asking for a huge time commitment, but simply for the help of your organization in reaching as many people as possible about this very important issue.
We are asking that you take petitions to you board meetings, staff meetings, homeowner classes, and the worksites. It's easy to collect petitions. When you respond, you will receive a petition packet, whether via mail or delivery, based off of your location. Your packet will include all of the information you will need to gather signatures including frequently asked questions, fact sheets, and contact information in case you have additional questions or concerns. Petition circulators will need to sign an affidavit regarding their conduct in collecting signatures and petitions will need to be returned on a fairly regular basis to PO Box 1920 Denver, Co 80201-1920.
Many of you have already spoken with Kim Cooke, a representative with the campaign, to express your interest in collecting petitions. If you haven't already done so please respond to her at kim@housingworksforcolorado.org or 303-525-7707 to let her know your affiliate is willing to collect petitions. If all of us pitch in we can make a huge difference not only for the families that we serve but for our entire community.
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HFHC Partners With True Sense Marketing to Assist Affiliate Donor Acquisition
 HFHC is eager to announce a new partnership with True Sense Marketing to capitalize on the accomplishments of all Colorado affiliates as well as the Habitat brand to enhance your efforts to bring new individual donors and supporters to your affiliate. For those who attended Camp CO, you may remember True Sense was an exhibitor at the Networking Cafe.
This year, we are proud to say that you will be building the 1000th Habitat House here in Colorado - and we want everyone to know about it. True Sense will acquire lists of individuals who have given philanthropically in Colorado or who fit the profile of someone likely to give to Habitat. They will develop a variety of creative material - to be approved by HFHC - and will conduct a series of direct mailings with the goal of acquiring new donors for your affiliate.
ˇ There is no upfront cost to you.
The net proceeds from your service area will be sent to you with no service charges.
ˇ You have control of mailings to your service area.
Each mailing can be customized with your local information so that donors know their dollars will be put to work in their own community.
ˇ It's easy to participate!
Call HFHC at 303-454-8965 x1 to find out more and to receive the Intent to Participate letter. Fax the form to HFHC at 303-454-8968 by June 13, 2008.
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 June Building Block for Success
Section 3: Governance-
Habitat affiliates are governed by a board of locally elected volunteers who are committed to the affiliate's mission, determine polices and procedures, and monitor the affiliate's financial and programmatic performance.
Affiliate has functional board committees (such as Church Relations, Family Selection, Family Support, Construction, Site Selection and Fund Development).
Rationale:
Active operational committees provide critical Affiliate support and allow Affiliates to more effectively achieve Habitat's mission. Supporting Resource(s):
Sample Committee Organizing Manual |
Fun Fund and Friend Raising Ideas
HFH San Luis Valley Recycle Sale
Although they are without a ReStore, HFH of the San Luis Valley still earns money and donations with new and used building materials by hosting an annual "Habitat for Humanity Spring Recycle Sale".
HFH San Luis Valley capitalizes on their community's spring cleaning and remodeling by hosting a one day recycle sale. People are encouraged to bring old and new building materials for a twofold purpose: to help raise money for Habitat, and to keep home improvement waste from filling up landfills.
This year, the event was advertised with a PSA sent to local media outlets. For more information about the event, please contact Audrey Liu at slvhabitat@yahoo.com. | |
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October CHFA Mortgage Sale Deadline
The deadline for 2008 CHFA mortgage sales will be October 31st for first payment to CHFA on December 1, 2008. You may still submit your mortgage sale after this date; however, it will not be funded until the 2009 contract is signed, which may be as late as February 2009.
In the meantime, please attempt to submit as many of your mortgage sales before October as possible. This will help HFHC and CHFA avoid a backlog of mortgage sales in October.
If you have any questions, please contact Ryan or Irene at the HFHC office. | |
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Anschutz Foundation Awards HFHC $20,000 Grant
The Anschutz Family Foundation has once again demonstrated their commitment to affordable housing and Habitat's mission by generously awarding HFHC a $20,000 grant. The Anschutz Family Foundation has been a major contributor to HFHC's mission for many years.
The grant money is available to rural Habitat affiliates, and RFPs for the money have already been sent to eligible affiliates.
We would like to thank the Foundation for its continued commitment to eliminating poverty housing in Colorado.
HFHC Welcomes New Accounting Volunteer, Joanne Schopp
Habitat Colorado has a new volunteer helping with accounting responibilities. Joanne Schopp holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She has been volunteering at Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver for almost two years in their accounting department where she received the Bob Thompson Award for outstanding volunteer service. Previously, she was the Business Manager for a local Catholic church.
HFHC Working to Secure CDBG Money, CDOH Offers CDBG Boot Camp
HFHC is working hard to secure state Community Development Block Grant funds for affiliates building in non-entitlement (mostly quasi-rural) areas. If your affiliate qualifies for these funds and you have not yet spoken with Stefka, please call or email her for more information at stefka@habitatcolorado.org.
This July 21 - 23, the Colorado Division of Housing will be holding a 3-day Boot Camp to whip you into shape on accessing, utilizing, and monitoring CDBG funds. HFHC will attend the training, but we encourage you to join us if possible and to forward this information to your local governmental unit (county or city) with whom you are working to secure these funds. The fee is an affordable $50, but scholarships to cover a portion of travel expenses are available from HFHC upon request. |
 Inclusiveness in the New CGA
By Erin Shaver, JVA
The new Colorado Common Grant Application (CGA) requires your organization to show evidence of inclusiveness in your policies and programs. What does this mean? What are funders truly looking for? Is your organization ready and able to respond? If you need help, consider JVA Consulting's upcoming PowerSession, "Addressing Inclusiveness in the new CGA." Led by Naomi Harris, JVA senior consultant for inclusiveness and diversity initiatives, this workshop will teach you ways to showcase how your organization effectively addresses inclusivity and how you can strengthen those efforts in the future.
The session is 5-6:30 p.m. June 26 at JVA's Denver office. Register today at www.jvaconsulting.com. Want to stay informed? Visit our Web site and sign up for JVA 411, a free weekly e-newsletter of the best funding opportunities, tips, news and trainings information. | |
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For a complete list of training opportunities available across the state visit our website www.habitatcolorado.org
 GRANTSMANSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
 Register now for the Grantsmanship Training Program
HFHC has scholarships available to help affiliates attend this training. Scholarships are on a first come basis. Please contact karen@habitatcolorado.org or stefka@habitatcolorado.org for more information.
July 28- August 1, 2008
Lakewood, CO
Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Colorado and the City of Lakewood
The Grantsmanship Center
Designed for both the novice and the experienced grantseeker, this intensive 5-day workshop combines expert instruction with practical exercises to take you step-by-step through all the stages of planning programs, locating funding sources, and writing grant proposals. Participants' current needs and programs are the basis of all class research and proposal writing exercises. Graduates of this workshop also receive a full year of membership services, which include access to online funding databases, discounts on publications, a proposal review by your trainer, and more.
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