Dear Friends of Habitat,
Here are a few updates on exciting new developments at
the affiliate:
Our partnership with the city of Mishawaka continues to
grow; and plans are under way to build 7-10 more houses on land donated by the City. Thanks to the help of long-time Habitat supporter, Brian Linson, I was
able to meet with Chief Dale Freeman and Chief Jim Cocquyt from the Mishawaka
Fire Department, who will be coordinating their staff to help on the "World
Build" in August.
John and Juanita Townsell paid off their Habitat
mortgage in just 15 years, and their dream of owning their own home, free and
clear, has come true! The staff celebrated with them on May 20. John said, "I thank God for Habitat, because they gave us an opportunity to
prove ourselves. I've always said that Habitat is not a hand-out, it's a
helping hand, and when they helped and blessed us like they did, it gave us a
new opportunity in life."
The new ReStore at 2411 S.
Main is under construction. The design committee has met with the
Troyer Group several times to plan the re-model, and a team of volunteers will be
meeting this Saturday (June 5) from 9-12:30 to help with the
interior demolition. The Grand Opening is scheduled for
November.
The response to our NAP credit appeal was amazing. Thank you. We needed $20,000 in donations and reached our goal within days of
the letter going out. We should know later this month how many NAP credits we
were awarded for the next round. Stay tuned.
Habitat of St.
Joseph County is in
conversation Leroy Troyer and the Fuller Center for Housing about ways we can work
together to eliminate poverty housing in our community. Plans are under way to
do a project together in the same neighborhood. Habitat will build a new home,
and the Fuller
Center will work with
neighbors whose homes need repair or renewal.
Finally, our independent audit for 2009 is complete and
Habitat received an unqualified opinion. In plain English ... professional,
independent accountants have confirmed that our financial house is in order, and
you can have confidence that your donations are being managed well. Thank you
again for your support of Habitat.
Sincerely,
Jim
Every Monday during the month of June, shop at the South Bend or Mishawaka ReStore and get 50% off your kitchen or bathroom purchases, including sinks, lighting fixtures, mirrors and toilets.
