Habitat CFC E-Newsletter | July 2020
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"Expanding homeownership is a key component of racial equity and health, so our mission has never been more important."
- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
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As we individually and collectively continue to process calls for racial justice amidst the growing weariness of a global health crisis and uncertainty about our economic future, I have been thinking a lot about what inclusion and exclusion, mercy and compassion, comfortableness and safety, and change mean in this moment. What can I do? What can Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County do?
Having co-facilitated the Healing Racism Institute as the first Executive Director of the Racial & Cultural Diversity Commission for the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, I know there aren’t easy answers. It’s a matter of commitment to being engaged over the long haul. Four hundred years of history can’t be undone with just rising awareness about racial inequity.
The beauty of the work of Habitat is that it has the potential to make systemic change. The more intention and attention that we give to that type of change and the way we do our work, the more impactful our work becomes beyond the transformative changes that happen for the individual families with whom we partner.
I realize I bring to bear over 25 years of experience in this arena of racial equity including my doctoral work. It’s easy to forget that this history which makes things commonplace for me may not necessarily be the same for others. The fact that we are all in different places and have different lenses from which we enter this conversation contributes to the challenges of having these conversations. They are not always comfortable.
I believe a good starting point is to ensure that we are all on the same page so that we can turn the page together. One of the first places to start is understanding the historical context of how we arrived at the current reality of where race and housing intersect.
I encourage you to explore:
Over the next few months, we will be doing several things to help educate ourselves and determine what our next steps are to bring about meaningful and sustainable change. I hope you will join us in taking our work to the next level.
Yours in partnership,
Dr. Cathy Collins
CEO
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Structured for Success - Read Our Annual Report!
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The construction staff, with help from a small number of volunteers, are back onsite building Habitat homes!
Here's an update on our progress:
- 563 Stillman: This house is very nearly complete with only some minimal landscaping work left to be finished. Stay tuned for a virtual home dedication soon!
- 167 | 171 Wessels: Next up for these two accessible homes will be installing insulation.
- 25 Orange: This house is quickly coming together - on the inside we are finishing up the final punchlist while stairs and railings are going on the exterior. Next up will be adding a sidewalk and driveway.
- 28 | 30 Hastings: Drywall is up, floors are in, and the interior trim is complete! We are now building the front & back porches.
- 243A William (recycle): This home is getting closer to ready for the new homeowner with touch-up painting and installing new countertops and blinds.
- 199 | 201 | 211 | 215 | 225 | 227 | 237 Granfield: Foundations are in and framing has begun at our 7-home site on Granfield Ave. As work is completed on the other sites that are nearing dedication, staff and volunteers will be able to turn more of their focus to the Granfield development.
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Volunteer Spotlight - Phyllis Machledt
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We are so lucky to have so many dedicated volunteers here at Habitat CFC that over their time with us have served in many different capacities. One of the volunteers that has stood out and shined in multiple roles is Phyllis Machledt.
Phyllis has a long history of community involvement with Habitat CFC and other non-profits in Bridgeport. Phyllis was the Director of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs at Sacred Heart University for 14 years and started the SHU Habitat Campus Chapter in 1995. She served over 15 years on the Habitat CFC Board starting in 1986 and has been a past president of our Board of Directors. She is currently the co-advisor of Habitat CFC's Youth United program which has sponsored and built five homes in Bridgeport. The Youth United program is an initiative that engages youth and youth groups in our area with the goal of getting them involved in the community. Habitat CFC Youth United Members have participated in making and selling craft items, car washes, and gift wrapping at local stores as well as larger events such as Hoops for Habitat and Rock the Block. Since 2008, Youth United has also won over $30,000 in 5 national State Farm grant, written primarily by Phyllis.
“To see students getting involved in something hands on that supports communities around them is a benefit to their development as good citizens,”
Phyllis shared.
Phyllis is also strongly involved with the Golden Hill United Methodist Church located in downtown Bridgeport. Through her work with Habitat CFC and Golden Hill she has helped to create a wonderful working relationship between the two. Golden Hill participates in Habitat build days every year and they have been gracious enough to house our visiting Collegiate Challenge participants since 1985. These collegiate groups are given full access to sleeping areas in the church as well as use of their kitchen, showers and recreational facilities. Phyllis has been instrumental in setting up the use of this facility through the years.
We value all of the selfless work that Phyllis has contributed to our mission from the start of our affiliate. To see her passion displayed when she is assisting our families and engaging youth is inspiring to all who come into contact with her. Thank you Phyllis!
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Golf is On - Join Us!
Enjoy the rare opportunity to play on one of the most beautiful, competitive courses in the country and help support local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. All proceeds directly support Habitat CFC.
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Schedule
10:30 am
Registration, Driving Range Opens
11:00 am
Barbecue Lunch
12:00 pm
Shotgun Start - Best Ball
5:00 pm
Reception Guests Arrive, Cocktails, Dinner Buffet, & Silent Auction
5:30 pm
Golf Awards, Brief Program
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Questions?
For more information, contact Events Coordinator
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“I think of all the cold and space heaters where I currently am and see my family living in a warm, energy efficient home. A home full of love and sharing. A place where we can enjoy holidays together, a fenced-in yard, and four bedrooms so we finally have space to grow. This is what I envision, and what I keep working for every day of my life.”
Tynesia
Habitat CFC Future Homeowner
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Your donation will help make the dream of a decent, stable home a reality for a hardworking Fairfield County family!
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What does home mean to YOU?
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What does HOME mean to you? Show us your answers! Take a picture, post on social media with the hashtag #HabitatCFC, then nominate 3 friends!
Here are a few ideas…
Security | Warmth | Gardening | Independence | Peace & Quiet | Home Cooked Meals | Freedom | Family | Stability
DONATE NOW and help a local family build a place to call home!
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Cleaning? Renovating? Redecorating?
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Please donate your unwanted furniture, appliances, cabinets, decor and more to our Habitat ReStore! Every donation helps local families build a place to call home.
You can drop off donations at the ReStore, located at 1785 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT, or schedule a pick-up by emailing:
donations@restorecfc.org
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Habitat CFC relies on the revenue our ReStore raises to keep building. The store closing has had a deep impact on funding Habitat CFC's crucial work at a time when a safe and stable home is more important than ever.
Here are two ways YOU can help!
1.)
Donate gently-used furniture, building materials, and home goods to our ReStore. (
donation criteria
). Every donated item helps build homes!
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Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County | 203-333-2642
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