Meeting with Senator Carper

Sussex County Habitat's Executive Director, Kevin Gilmore, was in Washington, D.C. for Habitat on the Hill 2016, Habitat International's 10th annual legislative conference. Each year Habitat staff, volunteers, and homeowners from across the country gather to discuss Habitat's legislative priorities and hold face-to-face meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. This year's theme, "Framing the Future," captures Habitat's focus on the housing challenges ahead, the policy solutions needed to address them, and equipping housing advocates with the tools necessary to shape the future of housing. On the final day of the conference, attendees focused on "Solid Ground," Habitat's global advocacy campaign on access to land for shelter and met directly with representatives from federal agencies whose programs support Habitat's efforts to develop affordable housing around the country. 

Meeting with Senator Coons

Kevin and Central Delaware Habitat representatives met with Senators Carper and Coons and Representative Carney to emphasize 3 key issues directly impacting Habitat. First, they asked them to a dvance housing reform legislation that ensures broad access to mortgage credit, creates an explicit federal guarantee for mortgage-backed securities, and provides targeted housing assistance to low-income households. Secondly, they made specific requests for three FY17 appropriations because these funds have a large impact on Habitat and the communities in which we work: HOME funds $1 billion, SHOP funds $15 million, and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) funds $1.1 billion. Finally, they asked that they look out for Habitat International's upcoming international advocacy campaign called "Solid Ground," which promotes land rights for individuals around the world.  #HabitatOnTheHill2016 

Also shown with Senator Carper and Kevin are Jonathan Gallo, Central Delaware Habitat's Executive Director, and Chris Cooper, Central Delaware Habitat's Development Director. Also shown with Senator Coons, Kevin, and the Central Delaware Habitat staff is Jonathan Reckford, Habitat International's Chief Executive Officer.

Simeon and Josefina with Kevin

Please welcome, Simeon and Josefina. We held a signing ceremony for them on Thursday, February 4th at our offices in Georgetown. During the ceremony we pledged to do all we can to help them complete their requirements for homeownership including their sweat equity hours and family services curriculum. Congratulations, Simeon and Josefina! We hope this first step leads to a new affordable home for you and your children in the near future.

Over the next four months we will be hosting hundreds of volunteers from colleges, universities, churches, and businesses from near and far.

We are looking for skilled construction volunteers who can serve with us by leading other volunteers of all skill levels on our build sites.

Crew Leader: Lead volunteers to complete a specific task on a build site. One day minimum commitment.

Site Leader: Lead volunteers for an entire week on a particular site. 

Site Supervisor Loan Program: If you own a construction company, please consider loaning a skilled site supervisor to help us run a site for a week during one of our busiest volunteer seasons.

For more information on these and other construction volunteer opportunities, please contact Jeff Niethammer, Construction Manager, at 302-265-5968 or [email protected]

A huge thank you to all those who participated in our annual Indoor Winter Golf Clinic this past weekend at Delmarva Christian High! We appreciate our sponsors, Money Mailer and First State Chevrolet, as well as Glen Reid, Barbara Moore, the PGA Pros, and other volunteers who gave of their time to make the clinic a success. Special thank you to ReStore and the construction team for logistics.  Pros included; Matt Keller of Cripple Creek, Mike Ru shin of Bear Trap Dunes, Dustin Riggs of Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Jack Skilling of Sussex Pines Country Club, and Jack Ehreshman of Midway Par 3.  The annual clinic is the first of four events hosted by the Walt Jones Memorial Project each year to benefit Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and those we serve. Great job, everyone!

We have a lot of exciting events coming up in the next few months. We promise to get the details to you in plenty of time, but we don't want anyone to miss out so please save the following dates:

25th Anniversary Kickoff - March 12th - 

Cheer Community Center of Georgetown - 6 to 10 pm 

Walt Jones Memorial Project Events:

Wine Tasting - April 17th - Bin 66 - 4 to 6 pm

Auction Night - May 12th - Bethany Blues - 5 to 8 pm

Annual Golf Outing - May 13th - Midway Par 3

(8:30 am or 1 pm Tee Times Available)

Bobbye Getting it Done

Everyone at Sussex County Habitat was saddened to hear of the passing of our long-time friend and volunteer, Bobbye Barlow. Known for her no nonsense, take charge, and get it done attitude, Bobbye touched the lives of many Habitat volunteers and homeowners throughout Sussex County. Over the years she served as a Board Member, Volunteer Coordinator, Event Planner, Construction Volunteer, and Family Support Advocate. 

Her family has asked that donations be made to Sussex County Habitat in her honor. To give in memory of Bobbye or to honor another loved one please visit  www.sussexcountyhabitat.org/ways-donate  or click the blue Donate Now button on the right-hand side of this newsletter.

Number of Repairs Completed 2/2-2/5:  2

Minor Repairs Completed the Fiscal Year:  13