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Habitat Headlines A Monthly E-Newsletter
August 2012
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Habitat's Impact as of August 2012
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Families in homes: 328
New applicants accepted into the program: 107
Families in the Homebuyer Academy: 118
Homes under construction: 67
Homes in planning: 42
Communities under construction: 7
Community Revitalization Initiatives in pipeline: 1
Volunteers scheduled for July: 279
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| Macy's Shop for a Cause | |
You get up to 25% off your Macy's purchases all day on August 25, as well as a chance to win a $500 Macy's gift card--all for a good cause!
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Ravens and M&T Bank on McCabe
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Staff from the Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank teamed up in July for two community build days to kick-off one of our newest project areas along Baltimore's McCabe Avenue. Dozens of purple- and green-shirted enthusiastic volunteers painted window and door boards to cover 15 dilapidated houses that will soon be ready for revitalization. Neighbors expressed great joy in seeing the activity and anticipation in welcoming their soon-to-be new neighbors.
 Thanks to our friends at the Ravens and M&T Bank!
To learn more about volunteering on our build sites, contact Volunteer Engagement Manager Matt Herzberg: mherzberg@habitatchesapeake.org or 410.366.1250 x111. |
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Thank You, AmeriCorps
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AmeriCorps, Habitat staff and volunteers gathered at the site of a future Habitat home in Brooklyn to celebrate the end of another incredible service year. They were treated to a traditional Baltimore crab feast, good company and well-deserved praise for the outstanding contributions they have made to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake.
We are lucky to have five members returning to serve a second year, but many of the AmeriCorps members are moving on to the next big thing. Good luck to each and every one of you, and please remember to come back to visit and volunteer!
Click the image to see more photos by Chuck Weiss from the farewell party.
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Building on Faith
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We are all called by our faith to make a difference in the community, and Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake is putting that faith to work to improve the living conditions of over 40 Habitat homeowners in Brooklyn. This is a large-scale greening project that will, with God's grace, transform Brooklyn for years to come, a visible symbol of what faith can make possible. We will be planting seeds, building on faith and visibly transforming the streetscape of this neighborhood.
Please contact Tony Watson, Faith and Education Outreach,
via twatson@habitatchesapeake.org or 410.366.1250 xt. 133.
Below are ways that families and congregations can participate:
· Sponsorship opportunities
- Trees ($200 for a full tree, $100 for a share of a tree)
- Fencing ($80 per section)
· Request one of our ReStore trucks for a donation drive at your congregation
· Put together volunteer kits for use on site
· Host an Interfaith Youth Learning event (we can provide advance training for your leaders) during the week at your congregation using the Peace by Piece books developed by our Interfaith Coalition members!
For details on the books and how to purchase them for your group, click HERE.
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Ravens Raffle to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
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Habitravels: CEO Mike Posko Climbs to New Heights
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 In addition to being Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake's CEO, Mike Posko is a lifelong adventurer, athlete (rugby, of course) and thrill-seeker.On July 12, Mike hiked Mount Shasta in Northern California, a 14,162-foot summit (the second highest volcano in the continental United States), and proudly waved his Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake flag before descending.We believe that Mike's most recent accomplishment is symbolic of his work here at Habitat. In just five short months, Mike has helped our Habitat organization reach new heights, as well. As our organization begins to celebrate 30 years of serving families next month, we are proud to be growing - thanks to our leadership, board, staff, volunteers, donors and sponsors, and our enthusiastic, hard-working partner families. Thanks to each of you - and, Mike, keep climbing! Are you an adventurer? Do you want to help Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake spread awareness about poverty housing? We will loan you our Habitat flag for your "Habitravels." Take a picture with our flag and you could be the next featured advocate in our e-newsletter and on our website blog! Contact Laura Nace, lnace@habitatchesapeake.org for more information.
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| Habitat Family Reunion: Celebrating 30 Years of Serving Families |  |
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Call for Photographers and Filmsters
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It's no secret that we have many newsworthy events and activities here at Habitat. From our ground breaking events and homeowner dedications, to fundraising events, faith-based activities, and Youth Service Saturdays, we are always busy.
Perhaps one of our best kept secrets is that we are highly fortunate to have a group of professional photographers on call to volunteer their amazing talent. Some of these remarkable photographers include Chuck Weiss, Richard Chomitz, and Nicole & Bailey. Please join us in welcoming aboard our newest photographer, the talented Alina Costabile-Mcelroy, who will be photographing our Women Build launch event in Orchard Ridge on Saturday, August 4. If you are a professional or professional-quality photographer or videographer and would like to donate your time and talent to capture some of the amazing people involved with our Habitat affiliate - volunteers, donors, sponsors and partner families - please contact Laura Nace, lnace@habitatchesapeake.org or 443-297-5218.
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Anne Arundel County Land Donation
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Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake has a solid presence in Anne Arundel County -- and we're looking to grow.
However, the cost of land in the county is very expensive. Won't you please consider donating property to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake?
By donating land, you could save Habitat valuable dollars per lot and help provide housing for deserving families in the region.
Acquiring land in Anne Arundel County is a critical priority for our nonprofit organization, so we hope to hear from interested donors. A gift of real estate -- now or through your estate plans -- may be used to provide affordable housing to qualified families who are waiting to begin their dream of homeownership. By donating property, you can avoid capital gains tax and receive an income tax charitable deduction equal to the fair market value of the house.
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Girls Night Out
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 We knew that our Girls Night Out event on July 19 was going to be great fun, but we didn't know that it would be such a blast. From the food, to the music, to the wonderful vendors at our host venue, The Mall in Columbia, we couldn't have enjoyed a better setup for a more perfect night.
Crowds of women and their friends, sisters, daughters, and coworkers came out for an evening of fun and entertainment, and they weren't disappointed. The vibe was exciting and lighthearted--to the point that a few women even got their groove on when the deejay played "The Cupid Shuffle." After all, what's a girls' night without some dancing?
And let's not forget all the free stuff. There was aromatherapy, eyebrow threading, makeovers, goody bags for the first 200 registered attendees, and all kinds of samples provided by our vendors. Those who attended said that they had a hard time deciding what to do first given all the choices.
But the women who experienced Girls Night Out weren't the only people who benefited from the night. Together, we raised over $2,370 in ticket sales that will go directly to our organization's Women Build program. Plus, 31 people signed up to become Women Build members. We are so excited to see the impact that this fundraising event will have on such a worthwhile program supporting a noble cause. A very special thanks to mall manager Michelle Jose and our many friends at The Mall in Columbia for hosting this fabulous event-for the fourth year in a row!
Missed out? Don't worry--there's always our Kick-Off at Orchard Ridge (Baltimore) on Saturday, August 4. Become a Women Build member today and help us celebrate the start of a new beginning for Habitat homeowner Ronnette Owens and her children.
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Women Build Membership Drive Underway
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Events Committee volunteers (l-r): Sandra Wood, Committee Chair Valerie Yingling, Staci Summers and Nedesha Coleman
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Women Build membership drive and committee organization is actively underway!
Please join us for the fun and meaningful work of Women Build. Participate in one of the following Women Build committees:
- Membership
- Events
- PR & Marketing
- Fundraising
Want to stay informed about future meetings and events? Sign up today for our Women Build newsletter!
Women Build Lowe's Clinics:
Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. -- Roofing Clinic
Tuesday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. -- Insulation and Drywall Clinic
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We are teaming up with our friends at Humanim on their newest social enterprise, DETAILS. In case you aren't familiar with Humanim, the social services organization was founded over forty years ago to provide services for individuals living within the Baltimore Washington region with barriers to employment. Each year, they invest in the future of over 4,500 individuals by providing them services within three focus areas: Workforce Development, Clinical Services and Community Development.
DETAILS combines precision DEconstruction services with a reTAIL outlet for selling and innovatively reusing materials harvested from buildings slated for demolition. As a social enterprise, DETAILS will apply proven business strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being. As a labor-intensive operation, DETAILS will create jobs for deserving individuals, while diverting thousands of tons of debris from our landfills.
According to Humanim's Chief Development Officer Cindy Plavier-Truitt, "Driven by a commitment to people and planet, DETAILS will bring practical solutions to employment and environmental responsibility. DETAILS will train individuals with barriers to employment and create living wage jobs."
Here's where our Habitat affiliate comes in... Operationally, DETAILS will harvest building materials and furnishings from houses slated for demolition and, through collaboration with our Habitat for Humanity Chesapeake Restore, make them accessible to the public for sale and re-purposing. DETAILS will generate the majority of its own program funding through fees for service and resale of building materials. Creating jobs and contributing to a healthy planet are among the world's greatest challenges.
Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake CEO Mike Posko said, "We are excited about partnering with Humanim on DETAILS. By making unique, salvaged items available for sale through our discount home improvement ReStores, the public will have easy access to a treasure trove of architectural artifacts and other recycled items that otherwise would have been dumped in a landfill. Plus, 100 percent of the ReStores' profits go toward helping our Habitat affiliate build decent, affordable homes for deserving families. I encourage everyone to visit our three ReStores to discover interesting finds while helping to solve the affordable housing crisis in our area through their purchases."
Visit any of our three ReStores to view the treasures that are arriving daily--and be assured that your purchases are helping us to build homes, strengthen families, and create promising futures!
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| Red Hats | |
Want to become a Red Hat volunteer?
 | Training Manager
Eric Bernhardt |
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. Contact Eric today--you'll be glad you did...and so will we!
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Youth and Student Programs
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 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, 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: August 18, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please contact Bobby Kirby to sign up: rkirby@habitatchesapeake.org or 410-366-1250 x105
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Marketing Interns Wanted!
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 Hello! My name is Amanda, and I'm currently the Marketing Intern at Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Unfortunately, my time here is about to come to a close because it's time for me to return to school at William and Mary. I'm looking for someone to fill my spot.
This is not your typical internship. You will not be grabbing coffee or making coffee or twiddling your thumbs waiting for someone to ask you for coffee. Instead, you will be busy, and you will be doing real work.
I've been able to get my feet wet in a little bit of everything here in the Marketing Department. Whether its blogging, media relations, creative design, social media planning and content creation, research, event planning, advertising, and more (you name it!), I've probably done it or helped with it.
I hardly had any experience in marketing before I came on board, and now I have enough to fill an entire page on my resume. The Habitat team supported me as I asked questions and learned, and they are more talented, kind, and amazing than I could describe here.
The bottom line is this: At this internship, you aren't just helping Habitat. Habitat is helping you, as well.
Apply today. You'll be glad you did!
Want to know more? Contact me on Twitter! @mandawhitehurst
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August Homeownership Orientation
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Towanda Johnson and Tyrone Ford
were engaged on the day of their
home dedication on Stoll Street.
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Interested in homeownership or know someone who might qualify?
We are looking for individuals and families willing to partner with our Habitat affiliate to make their dreams of homeownership a reality.
The first step toward becoming a Habitat homeowner
is to attend an orientation session:
Saturday, August 25 at 10 am
Amazing Grace Lutheran Church
2424 McElderry Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
Orientations last approximately one hour. Attendees do not need to bring anything but a smile -- and perhaps an interested friend or two. Please share this information with someone you know!
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The Packer Collegiate Institute
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 It's been a tradition, for over a decade now, that students from The Packer Collegiate Institute, based in Brooklyn N.Y., join Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake and other Baltimore area non-profits for a service trip during the first week of June. This year, Packer seniors' work with Habitat found them building in Washington Village for three days. The senior service trip is an annual event for the school and unofficially marks the start of summer at Habitat.
Matt Herzberg, Volunteer Engagement Manager said, "For over a decade, we've been lucky to have their hard work, enthusiasm and cheerful presence. This year, they built fences and helped with the framing on Ward Street. Twenty-five students joined us each day, while another fifty volunteered at other organizations across the city, including Living Classrooms at the Baltimore Maritime Museum, Our Daily Bread, the Maryland Food Bank and Patapsco State Park. These students are a remarkable example of our next generation of philanthropists."
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| Cars for Homes | 
Shift your giving into a different gear this year!
Donate your car, truck, RV, boat or motorcycle to our Cars for Homes program. Your generous vehicle donation helps us provide more families in Central Maryland with safe, decent and affordable housing. Revenue from the vehicle sale goes directly back into our affiliate to help us build more homes. 
A BIG thank you to this year's Cars for Homes donors!
Since July 2011, $10,146.58 has been raised for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake.
If you have questions or would like to donate your vehicle, please email Aleah Rawls at
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Thank you for your continued support of Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake!
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