Dear Friends:
It has been a whirlwind month. In my 30 years of leadership training and non-profit management, no one ever trained me to make the kind of decisions I have had to make during the last 30 days.
I am grateful!
So first and foremost, I must offer words of thanks to my incredible management team: Ericia, Chief Operating Officer; Carol McQueen, Director of Philanthropy; and Dave Tirsell, Volunteer and Faith Relations Manager.
Each of them reacted differently to the COVID-19 crisis. Some were very calm. Others, more energized and direct. Their personalities truly came out as did their wits and problem-solving abilities. Locked arm in arm (well,
almost
) we made many difficult decisions which were best for the mission. None of those decisions were easy. But all were necessary.
I am grateful for this team!
Behind those leaders, was an incredible Board of Directors who stepped up in a myriad of ways to assist. Some like Greg (GRIT), Anne (PNC), and Mike (CIT) helped financially. Zach, who works for Advia Credit Union, authored a grant. Rene inspired his team at Ford (including Westin) who are energized about our Container Home project, and Ursula was a silent Consumers Energy representative of an event that had to be postponed. Jeremiah, Pat, Kathleen, Stacey, Karen, and both Kelly’s donated all sorts of food and cash to help the laid off members of the team. The Board Chairperson, Mashell, left me with cash and these words, “If you need anything, you call me!” And I might.
Seriously, I am grateful for this Board!
As you might imagine, after the ReStores closed and the volunteers and donors went home, things became very quiet at Macomb Habitat. The Women’s Luncheon was cancelled. Other events have been put on hold. Operational support is non-existent.
It is time for me to say
HELP!
As we look forward to re-opening in a few weeks, we are going to need to restart our bank account and begin to pay the bills that have been sitting unpaid. This is going to require me to ask ALL OF YOU to do something that is very difficult to do.
I’m asking you to make a donation to Habita
t.
The process is simple, but may not be painless.
- Go to our secure donation page.
- Fill out the Donation Form
- Leave a note about who you made your donation in honor of under "Gift Designation" or send me an email. Was it a co-worker, a family member, or a friend? Was it in honor of an essential worker? Or was it in memory of a loved one? I will be publishing these in a subsequent newsletter.
Friends, it is much easier to say “thank you” than it is to say, “please help!” I’m sure you must feel that same way. But today, as the leader of this great non-profit, remembering all of the homeowners who have struggled and then purchased their homes with dignity, I must say both words.
I am grateful. And I need your help!
On behalf of our entire amazing staff and Board of Directors, I wish you safety and love.
Helen Hicks
President and CEO
