Volunteers from Giant Food, Stevenson University and Johns Hopkins recently got down and dirty for a great cause -- salvaging metal for cash to benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Working with the HFHC ReStore, members of Giant Food's Women Adding Value (WAVE) group, students from Stevenson University, and members of Johns Hopkins' Iota Nu Delta fraternity helped clear out a Keswick office location owned by Johns Hopkins University. Working together, these organizations saved 76,333 pounds of metal from the landfill, resulting in over $6,700 in salvage funding for our Habitat affiliate.

The salvage project first took shape this past fall when Johns Hopkins associates decided to recycle scrap metal left behind by a previous tenant in their leased office property, in advance of a remodeling project. Instead of trashing the materials, Hopkins offered to donate the proceeds to HFHC, reaching out to the local Habitat ReStore to manage the operation. 

HFHC ReStore Director Tim Kenney said, "We're excited about this salvage initiative as a new cash flow option. Habitat ReStores generate income to support their local Habitat affiliate, and we can't complete our work without the help of community volunteers. We greatly appreciate the participation by our friends at Giant Food, Stevenson University and Johns Hopkins." Kenney noted that HFHC ReStore is focused not only on recycling goods donated and resold at its stores, but on "greening" the Greater Baltimore and Anne Arundel County communities through its salvage efforts.

Johns Hopkins Project Manager Kathy Corves said, "Our partnership evolved when we chose to work with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake on this recycling project because of the meaningful work the affiliate contributes to our community--changing lives, revitalizing neighborhoods and empowering families through affordable housing options. We look forward to continuing this mutually beneficial partnership."

The HFHC ReStore management hopes these type of projects will continue to emerge throughout the year, not only as a chance to raise funds for the affiliate and engage volunteers, but to lend a hand to other organizations focused on preserving the environment and reusing items otherwise destined for landfills.

 

Brave men and women enlist every day in service to the American people, putting their country before themselves; many go even beyond that call and perform acts of valor while on leave. 

I recently had the pleasure of spending time with one such courageous individual. Chief Petty Officer Brian Merkel, from Ft. Meade's Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC), has allocated his time to providing security to our great nation through his career, and to supplying safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities within our community.

"We joined the Navy to serve our country," expounded CPO Merkel. "What better way to start than in the areas we see every day." The Command, with over 130 sailors on site last year, including a Veteran's Build in March, has provided service on multiple occasions on our Clay Street project in Annapolis and is scheduled to continue serving HFHC through our new home building projects. The Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group (NCWDG), connected to NIOC, are also regular volunteers.

The Command has become a part of the building of future families and their relationships. As CPO Merkel said, "One day, a kid is going to grow up in this house and his or her family will make memories here. We are proud to be a part of the foundation of those memories."

 

 

   

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full-time residential program for men and women, ages 18-24. The program requires an intensive, 10-month commitment and members serve in teams of eight-to-twelve, assigned to projects throughout the region served by their campus. They serve communities in every state. Members are based at one of five regional campuses and travel to complete service projects throughout those regions. 

 

A group of NCCC members recently fulfilled the mission to strengthen communities and develop leaders 

through direct, team-based national and community service by training with Eric Bernhardt, training manager, based at Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake's warehouse. 

 

Members of the NCCC (Perry Point, MD campus) worked with staff and AmeriCorps National Direct members for more than three days, receiving specialized instruction in the use of power tools, as well as training in becoming proficient instructors themselves. Habitat's new Red Hat and Safety Training program provides a hands-on classroom located in our warehouse, serving as the busy learning site and allowing members to put their new knowledge into practice. 

 

One NCCC member described his work with AmeriCorps as "a way for me to give back to our country," 

noting that "this training is helping me prepare for my duties that I will have soon." 

This year, the youth group liked the idea of building a bench for Habitat as one of the two scheduled fundraising projects. They also plan to go to the Maryland Food Bank to volunteer in March. These are global-minded and compassionate youth!

Their Superbowl Sub fundraiser was started years ago by one of their former students right after the Tsunami in Indonesia in 2004 and they have continued the project each year, with the funds being donated to various causes. This year they chose Habitat as the beneficiary. Mays Chapel United Methodist Church's youth group has raised over $1,300 for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Please join us in recognizing their excellence!

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has a solid presence in Anne Arundel County---and we're looking to grow.  

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is currently growing our base of Red Hat volunteers. Red Hats are a team of skilled and semi-skilled volunteers with construction experience, personality and leadership skills. They are capable of leading both small and large groups of volunteer teams to construct healthy, stable and energy-efficient homes for our partner families.

Prior construction experience is not required. We will be delighted to train you!

Red Hats are asked to commit to a regular volunteer schedule of at least two days per month. Volunteers are often assigned to specific projects so that they can enjoy continuous progress together with their team.

Regular training sessions are now underway for new Red Hat volunteers. Please get involved today by contacting Eric Bernhardt at ebernhardt@habitatchesapeake.org or 410-366-1250 x118. You'll be glad you did!

 

Youth Service Saturday is a creative and interactive approach to sparking your child's interest in philanthropy. 

 

This fun and unique Habitat program helps youth, ages 5-15 years old, understand the meaning of philanthropy and the value of service to others through an enthusiastically-led session of games, art and entertainment.

 

Youth Service Saturdays take place at the Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake office (3741 Commerce Drive, Baltimore) on the third Saturday of every month. The program is free of charge, with a suggested donation of supplies. The list of needed supplies for our homebuilding projects includes new paintbrushes, paint rollers, painter's tape, permanent markers, tape measures and Home Depot or Lowe's gift cards.

 

Learn more about our Habitat youth programs.

 

Youth Service Saturday's next date: March 17, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

 

Please contact Bobby Kirby to sign up:

rkirby@habitatchesapeake.org or 410-366-1250 x105

 

Budget Builders: Family Partners 

If you are interested in empoweringfamilies and building a relationship with a future Habitat homeowner through this highly effective financial literacy program , please contact Deborah Conklin at dconklin@habitatchesapeake.org or 410-366-1250 x150.

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Seeking Administrative Office Volunteers 

 Are you interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, but the construction site isn't for you? Are you detail-oriented and enjoy seeing tangible results from your work? 

 

We need you! Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is looking for dedicated volunteers to work alongside our staff to manage daily tasks in our office. 

 

This position will include performing administrative duties, such as mailings, answering phone calls and greeting visitors. 

 

To inquire about this volunteer position, please contact Renee Ferguson at rferguson@habitatchesapeake.org or 410-366-1250 x131.