I received a note the other day from a 96-year-old donor. She was responding to our request for help in our summer appeal. While I appreciated her monetary gift, I was touched by her gift of kindness she imparted in her personal note.

This moment we are living in makes our choices often more difficult and simultaneously more important. I find that is true for me personally and for the choices I must make for the organization. It would be easy and understandable to despair at how much has changed. I know our staff team and volunteers have had to adjust to not doing our work in the same way. With so many different restrictions the joy of the work can be harder to come by.

Yet at the end of the day, the choice our future homeowners make to partner with us, to forge a new pathway for their families by owning a Habitat home, remains the foundation of that joy. I want to believe that the 96-year-old donor was moved by Cindy George’s story of disappointment at the delay of purchasing her home as a result of COVID-19 and her unwavering hope of what it will bring her family.

Yes, these times are not easy but we still have a choice in how we respond to them. I, like many of you, have been moved by people’s responses. I am grateful to our donors, our volunteers, our staff, and our future homeowners who continue to believe and respect the work we are doing to provide families with the opportunity to create strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership. If there is one thing that we have learned during this time, it is that home matters—both our physical home and the home of our heart. Habitat continues to build both, even during these unprecedented times. Thank you for all the choices you make to continue to support our building efforts.

Hello, my name is Cindy.

This year was supposed to be my comeback year. The year I did everything I set out to do. The year I was supposed to become a homeowner.

Last year, me and my two little girls lost EVERYTHING in a fire at our rental apartment.

I decided to take a leap of faith and applied to Habitat CFC's homeownership program. When I found out that I was accepted, it was my reassurance that prayers do work, things do get better, and dreams can still come true. Then Corona reared its ugly head. Here I am again with another setback year. A year full of surprises and roadblocks.

Though my girls are small, they are excited to know that we are moving into our new home soon. We drive by the lot on Granfield every so often and I point from the car and tell them, “That’s where we are going to live right there- it’s being built!” and to hear the joy in their voices makes my heart smile so much I can tear up. They are so excited, as am I, to have a place we can truly call “Home.”

I am looking forward to the day I can begin building memories with my girls in our new home and building relationships with my fellow Habitat neighbors. I’m truly honored & grateful for this opportunity and just wish and pray all this Corona stuff would go away so we can get back to building and living our lives like we once were. I’m praying we all make it out of this trying time stronger and full of love for one another.

Stay Blessed & Stay Safe,

Cindy

Future Habitat Homeowner

Join in the joy as we pass the keys to Ruben on Thursday, September 10^th at 4:30 pm.

To get the zoom link, please contact Suzanne Francis, Events Coordinator, at sfrancis@habitatcfc.org or 203-520-7690.

This month's Habitat CFC Volunteer Spotlight focuses on our chair of the Women Build Committee, Andrea Stone. Andrea has been involved in helping others early in her life with her involvement as a swim coach for the Special Olympics and even after college she was involved with the nonprofit organizations AmeriCares and NAWIC.

Andrea had her start with Habitat CFC through the fourth Women Build sponsored home after connecting with a friend who was volunteering at Habitat CFC. After being recruited to come back to work on Women Build projects, Andrea began to get to know the group and build not only a bond over the mission of Habitat for Humanity but also began to build friendships within the group.

Andrea has been a staple in all of the fantastic Women Build fundraising events like She Nailed It! and Taste of Aitoro. These special events raise thousands of dollars for Women Build sponsored homes and show the community at large just how fun it is to help deserving families realize their dream of owning a home.

Women Build’s goal is to recruit, educate and nurture women to build – and advocate for – decent and affordable houses in our shared community. Engagement of women in the building process is empowering on so many different levels.

When asked what moment stood out to her the most during her time volunteering with us, Andrea spoke to a moment during a particular home dedication where she got a special invitation. “I was asked by the little boy in the family if I could attend his birthday party. He was so excited to have a home and backyard where we could finally have his own party.”

We thank Andrea and all of the great Women Build members for all they do for our families!!

During these times, it is important to stay safe. Remember to complete the 3.1 miles while socially distancing and wear a face covering if needed. STEP UP & Be Safe!

Registration is FREE! However, we are encouraging everyone to raise funds for Habitat CFC. Once you register yourself or get a "team" together, you can start fundraising! Get your family and friends together for some friendly competition and challenge yourselves by completing 3.1 miles. See who can STEP UP and raise the most funds for a great cause! Because it is VIRTUAL, ANYONE from ANYWHERE can STEP UP and join the fun! Share your fundraising link with family and friends and post it on social media!

Because it is a VIRTUAL race, you can choose any 5K course that is best for you; whether it be around your neighborhood, a mapped out course, or even an indoor treadmill! Map My Run and Strava are both easy to use apps for tracking mileage, and don't fret, this is NOT a timed race. Remember to post your pictures on social media with #HabitatCFC

4. Complete the 5K anytime from Saturday, October 3 to Saturday, October 10. Fundraising can start TODAY!

A VERY COOL HABITAT CFC HAT will be awarded to those participants who raise a minimum of $100! Once you hit that amount, your hat will be available for local pick up (shipping also available). But why stop at 100 bucks? STEP UP and raise more!

Questions? Please contact Suzanne Francis, Events Coordinator, at sfrancis@habitatcfc.org or 203-520-7690