Habitat CFC E-Newsletter | May 2020
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“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
Margaret J. Wheatley
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These inspiring words are actually the first line in a poem called
Turning to One Another. Over these past weeks we’ve had to turn to one another in ways we never imagined we would to keep each other safe. Staying at home, forgoing family visits, wearing masks, connecting by Zoom, finding new ways to celebrate milestones and offer hope to each other. I have been moved, inspired and saddened by the stories from people working on the front lines, people who have lost their jobs, people who have gotten sick, and people who have lost loved ones.
Daily, I receive an updated log about our homeowner families who have been impacted by COVID-19. The notes convey the interconnected nature of our response to this pandemic. Bus drivers laid off because they no longer have students to deliver to school. Healthcare workers no longer needed because elective surgeries are not being performed. A cafeteria worker no longer needed as college students are not taking classes on campus. Parents who must make the hard decision to quit work to stay home with their children. Others have contracted the virus because they are working on the front lines in hospitals, grocery stores, and manufacturing plants.
In this moment, I think there are two overarching themes emerging about what matters—home and our connectedness to each other. Two things Habitat has always been about.
Gracious donors helped establish an Emergency Fund for Families at the very beginning of our stay at home response. They recognized that some families would need some immediate assistance as employment became tenuous. Financial margins for low-income families are thin. I have been humbled by how many families have chosen to have us reduce their escrow payment instead of receiving a direct check of support during this time. They passionately express their gratitude for having a safe home to be in at this moment. They want to ensure that nothing changes that situation.
Simultaneously, I think about the families in our homeownership program pipeline, working on their sweat equity, and those wanting to be in our program, whose home situation doesn’t feel safe. It is overcrowded or has poor plumbing or inadequate electrical service or a myriad of other unfavorable conditions that make staying home exceedingly challenging.
Our work has never been about an immediate crisis response. We are a sustainable solution. In this moment of crisis, we can see that. And now more than ever we understand the value of that sustainable solution of home.
Margaret Wheatley’s poem ends with this line. Rely on human goodness. Stay together.
I am confident in the human goodness of our donors, volunteers, staff members and homeowner families that we will stay together through these unimaginable times. And that together we will ensure that a safe place to call home will continue to be our legacy.
I look forward to the day we can build together in each other’s presence. Until then, please stay safe and be well.
Dr. Cathy Collins
CEO
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" We want to give our kids something better than we ever had - a space to grow up. We have been through difficult times before and have faith that we will get through this. Habitat gives us something to hope for the future."
Janella Diaz, Future Habitat Homeowner
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In these uncertain times I wanted to provide you with an update on where we stand organizationally as a result of the impact of COVID-19. We are more fortunate than many nonprofits. We have not had to make the hard choice of furloughing staff. Yet, those choices will come the longer this situation continues. Our goal is to keep staff on payroll as long as we can ensure that a viable organization remains in doing so.
All of our traditional funding streams have been directly impacted.
- Major event cancelations. (Annual Benefit, She Nailed It!, Rock the Block, Gourmet Tasting Fundraiser)
- Donors’ portfolios decimated limiting their options for giving
- ReStore revenue halted due to store closure
- Mortgage payments reduced as homeowners effected receive forbearance
- Construction slow down delaying future home sales
- Some foundation and government funding is being redirected towards direct COVID-19 response
Fortunately other funding has become available during this time and we continue to seek ways of securing additional resources.
- Receipt of a PPP loan that allows us to keep staff on the payroll till June 19
- Donors establishing an Emergency Fund for families directly impacted ($20,000)
- Nearly all sponsors and ticketholders turning their annual benefit commitment into a straight donation
- Donors giving to a Resiliency Fund ($40,000 to date)
- Access to a line of credit
- Application completed for an SBA Economic Disaster Loan
- Applications for other granting sources
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
• Hold onto items that can be donated to the ReStore for when we can open again
• Keep us in your prayers and good positive thoughts
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Volunteer Spotlight: Board Chair George Keith
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Here at Habitat CFC we are as strong as our leadership, and one of our strongest leaders is our Chairman of the Board, George Keith. George has been with Habitat CFC in many different capacities within our board for several years and in his capacity as Board Chair, he is an integral part in all of the decision making at our affiliate.
Everyone has a different journey when it comes to how they became a part of our organization and George has had a very unexpected journey to Habitat CFC. Several years ago, George was invited to participate in the annual Habitat CFC Golf Tournament by a friend and it was his first experience with the organization. When George had the ability to listen to a homeowner speak at the golf tournament dinner he was moved by the excitement and appreciation the homeowner showed for the organization and its impact on the community. The expression of gratitude led him to realize the true impact that the organization has when it comes to creating bonds between the homeowners, the community, and all of the Habitat CFC staff.
“When I learned of the sweat equity hours that homeowners put in to receive their homes through volunteer days I was enlightened to the concept that these homeowners are people who are willing to not just get something but are also willing to give something back in return.”
One of the events that has had the biggest impact on George were some of the first dedications that he was able to attend.
“It was wonderful to see good people who were able to find a way to support their family and to move their future forward. To see the kids and the love and appreciation they had for finally being able to have their own secure home made an impact on me.”
After being a part of other Habitat CFC events, George began to learn more about the organization and came to realize that Habitat CFC fit his skills and his personality overall. He knew that he could do more to help. The fact that he is a personality match for this type of work allows him to engage in his responsibilities with a passion and desire as to get the best outcomes for everyone involved. Being someone who has already raised his kids, he decided to adopt Habitat CFC as his family.
“I had found an organization where I could see the people I would directly be having an impact on.”
There are so many amazing moments that are experienced when volunteering here at Habitat CFC that are extremely memorable but throughout the years there are also hardships that have to be navigated. This time during the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most difficult to handle but when asked what moment stands out as one that has been the most inspiring to him, George pointed to this current moment. “I am very grateful to have Cathy Collins as CEO and the staff we have during this difficult time, as the response to this crisis has been well handled in all aspects including making sure that everyone is safe and taken care of throughout.” It is also during times like these where we need strong leadership and George Keith is one of the leaders we are happy to have as a part of our organization.
Thank you George!
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Thank You to Our Benefit Sponsors!
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We are so grateful to all of our generous sponsors for the 2020 Habitat CFC Benefit who donated despite the event being canceled. Their continued commitment, despite uncertain times, to helping local families build a place to call home speaks volumes. Thank you!
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Thank You to Our Benefit Donors!
Barrett Outdoor Communications
George & Carol Bauer
The Massoud Foundation
Roy Turner
Rich Townsend
John Briggs
Jinny & Paul Ferrarese
Margaret Pastel & Steve Hoover
Lissa & T. David Short
Celeste Cobb & Oliver North
Stuart & Margie Holcombe
Joanne & Michael Gaughan
Jamie Hewitt & Ralph Walker
Laurence & Brice Russian
Jack Majesky
Aimee & Chris North
Joanna & Vincent Krsulich
Thank You to Our Benefit Vendors!
Wee Burn Country Club
M Communications
Vision Edge Symphony Music, DJ Marv
Jon Miller’s DeLorean Time Machine
GiveSmart by Community Brands
Richard Cadan Photography
Thank You to Our Benefit Committee!
Anne Brink
Suzanne Brown
Robert Claiborne
Clare & Robert DeLibro
Nicole & Michael DeMattia
Jinny & Paul Ferrarese
Renee & Rev. Eric Fjeldal
Patricia & Michael Gallo
Stacy & Robert Giglietti
Lisa Croce Jackson & Bruce Jackson
Cathleen & Marc Kosak
Celeste Cobb & Oliver North
Barbara Rogo
Lissa & T. David Short
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Full staff meetings look a little different these days! We miss all of our homeowners, volunteers, and supporters and are looking forward to the day we'll see you again!
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Closings and Postponements
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In an effort to be proactive in doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19, the following steps have been taken:
- As of March 17 at 4:00 pm, the ReStore will be closed. This includes donation drop-offs and pick-ups.
- Build sites are now closed to ALL volunteers and homeowners working toward sweat equity.
- In compliance with Governor Lamont’s order, our offices are closed to the public and all administrative office staff are working remotely.
- CANCELED – Youth United’s Rock the Block (originally scheduled for Saturday, May 2)
- POSTPONED – Habitat CFC Women Build’s She Nailed It! (originally scheduled for Thursday, May 12)
Please contact the office with any questions (203) 333-2642.
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SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars! The 27th Annual Habitat CFC Golf Outing will be
Monday, September 21, 2020. Join us at The Country Club of Fairfield for a day of golf at one of the premier golf courses in the country, and help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
Schedule
10:30 am Registration, Driving Range Opens
11:00 am Barbeque 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
Registration Coming Soon!
For more information, contact Events Coordinator
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In accordance with Governor Lamont's order closing non-essential businesses, our Stratford ReStore is temporarily closed.
The ReStore is an important source of steady funding for Habitat CFC's work. One way you can help is to hold onto any potential donations for the store until we are able to reopen. If you are able to, please consider making a financial donation to help our organization weather this difficult time.
We hope see our customers and volunteers, and staff one day soon. Be well and stay safe.
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Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County | 203-333-2642
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