Upcoming Events

June 27: Blitz Build

Our own Dale Shoemaker named state's Habitat Volunteer of the Year

Who is the number one volunteer throughout thirty Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Colorado? Our very own Dale Shoemaker. On June 5th he was awarded the Lee Kundtz Volunteer of the Year Award by Habitat for Humanity of Colorado. This award is only given to one volunteer each year in honor of their excellence in service to Habitat for Humanity.

Anyone who has been to a Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity construction site in the last four years has met Dale. He has given of himself over and over and over in service of local families who are ready and willing to help build a brighter future. Dale has shared, "I believe in and support CCHfH because it provides the opportunity for families to permanently transform their lives for the better."

Here's what was shared during the award presentation:

"Dale exhibits God's love as defined in I Corinthians 13:4-8. He patiently instructs the 300+ volunteers, kindly speaks up to call volunteers and staff to a higher standard, he does not envy when someone else gets credit for something he worked on, he never boasts about what he accomplishes, but is quick to commend others - showing pride for them, not himself. He is never rude in his

treatment of others, does not seek his own glory or take the easy path, he doesn't get angry at volunteers, even when a mistake was made or someone else's pride set the project back. The things he delights in are always those of good and truth. He always protects the mission, trusts the intentions of others, hopes lives will be transformed, and perseveres despite exhaustion. Dale never fails to be there when needed, rising to every occasion with quiet strength and love. Dale serves with love."

Thank you for serving!

Construction crew shoots to have subflooring done by end of June

During mid-May construction kicked off on the 2014 build.  It is a duplex next door to last year's build on Crestone Avenue in Salida.  The sewer and water lines have been installed and excavation completed by Y&K Excavation.  Habitat volunteers then moved in and completed the footers, stem walls and radon vent system.  We are now working on the site rough grading and subfloor.  Our target is to have the subfloor completed by Friday 27 June.  For the first time with CCHfH we have a professional builder that will do the framing.  DSI will bring their entire staff with framing knowledge to the site free of charge to hopefully frame the entire duplex in one day.  Please stop by to see this amazing progress.  

The two families that will purchase the homes are extremely excited.  They have started their sweat equity hours which include at least 100 hours on the build site.  This will provide them an appreciation of what it takes to build and maintain a home.  Please come and assist us in completing  these homes before the snow flies.

Dawn, one of the families moving in this fall, tells us about herself

My name is Dawn Marie LeBeau. I was born on August 16, 1980 in Phoenix,Arizona, where I continued to reside until I was 18 years old.

After that I decided to move to Colorado with my stepfather in order to complete my high school education.

After high school I went to Clearfield Job Corps where I met the father of my daughters, MacKenzie and Shannon Hall.  AfterJob Corps we spent the next five or so years moving back and forth between Colorado and Maine.

When my youngest daughter, Shannon, was about six months old we split up for the final time and since then we have only left Salida for vacations.

My daughter, MacKenzie, is 11-years-old and Shannon is 9-years-old. They each dance two nights a week. MacKenzie sings twice a week and Shannon sings one night a week. 

I have worked for McDonalds for almost 9 years and am now a manager.

I enjoy listening to music, reading and spending time with my daughters.

Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity to host informative meeting

An extreme number of people struggle to find a decent place to live, but despite daily battles for affordable housing, there is hope. Habitat for Humanity understands this struggle, and will host an educational meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 7:00-8:00pm in the Sangre de Cristo community room.

Attendees will learn about self-help methods concerning affordable housing, and how they can obtain a house that fits their needs. Expensive rent payments and high energy bills can become a part of the past, with an affordable yet energy efficient home. Regardless of credit score or income level, come learn how you can improve your situation and work towards a better future.

At the Chaffee Housing Summit last November, workforce housing was addressed as the area's biggest housing concern. Due to this gravity of this issue, the problem will be tackled with potential resolutions for those ready to change their situation. Among the options are Habitat for Humanity homes, for which you or a friend might be eligible.

To qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home, residents must have been living in Chaffee County, or been employed in this area, for one year and currently be living in inadequate, substandard, or not affordable conditions. In addition, the resident must have the ability to pay a mortgage, as well as the willingness to partner with the program throughout the home-building process.

Requirements for income include wages earned from working as well as other forms, such as social security and child support. However, total earnings must be between 30 and 60% of the area median income- for example, an individual may earn between $12,250 and $24,500, while a family of four may earn as much as $35,000.

For more details on these guidelines, or if you believe someone you know might qualify, please call the Habitat for Humanity office at 719-395-0482, or email info@chaffeehabitat.org to learn more about becoming a homeowner.

Habitat for Humanity is an equal housing opportunity program, meaning everyone is welcome to apply.