Happy Holidays!

As December is the last month of the year, I have been reflecting on 2021. I am thankful for our Habitat CFC family including Board of Directors, staff, families, donors, volunteers, partners, City of Bridgeport, and friends. We have accomplished so much together despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month we dedicated two homes for the Dormez and Miranda/Santos families. It was a wonderful event! On the 11th of this month, we will dedicate two more homes for the DeJesus/Contreras and Betancourt families. Our donors and volunteers are great contributors to creating the reality of homeownership for our Habitat families. They donate their time, talent, and treasure to ensure that families have a home to call their own. Currently, the Wadsworth Family Foundation is generously providing the opportunity for your gift to be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 for a house that we are building in Bridgeport. There are always opportunities at Habitat to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

We are excited about all that 2022 has in store for Habitat CFC. We plan to build more affordable homes for families here in Fairfield County. Thank you for being a part of Habitat CFC’s journey!

Attend our upcoming VIRTUAL Home Dedication of 225 & 227 Granfield Avenue in Bridgeport!

A home dedication is the culmination of all that Habitat for Humanity is about. Join us as we celebrate these hard-working families and pass them the keys to their new homes!

All are welcome to attend, witness the heart of our work, and congratulate the soon-to-be homeowners!

Click here to register (or click the button below).

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the zoom.

Questions? Contact Events Coordinator, Suzanne Francis at sfrancis@habitatcfc.org.

- Jessica & Alan, Future Homeowners

- Marilyn, Future Homeowner

Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County is receiving an American Rescue Plan Act grant of $150,000 per year for 3 years for a total of $450,000 to build three new homes for three families in Bridgeport.

The funding will allow Habitat CFC to expand our building program to be able to build one more house per year (over 3 years), which will serve a greater population of Bridgeport residents than we would have been able to serve without ARPA funding. It will allow three separate families that have been affected by the pandemic -- either by illness due to the pandemic, loss of job during part of the pandemic or financial burdens -- the opportunity to purchase a home that will cost no more than 30% of their income for the mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities.

The City of Bridgeport announced that it is making $25 million available to Bridgeport small businesses and non-profit organizations through the American Rescue Plan. This first release of funding is part of the $110 million awarded to Bridgeport as part of the American Rescue Plan to respond to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The legislation established the Coronavirus-19 State and local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) which is intended to support state and local governments as they address the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on their communities, residents, and businesses.

It was wonderful to see old friends and make new friends at our Women Build Meet-Up at Brewport. We had a great turn-out, and we are excited to have so many incredible women joining us in our work of building affordable homes in our community through volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy!

Thank you to Brewport for generously offering us a venue for this event.

We need your help! Our ReStore is seeking volunteers, especially those who can come on a regular weekly basis. Work alongside other volunteers and staff accepting donations, preparing donated items for the sales floor, assisting customers, and more!

Contact Volunteer Services Coordinator, Anthony Orfino at aorifno@habitatcfc.org to learn more.

email preferred – donate@restorecfc.org

The final part of our Habitat CFC Advocacy 101: Using Your Voice to Affect Change series is your chance to get involved. We are hosting an Advocacy Challenge for our Youth Volunteers with a Grand Prize of a spot at the Virtual Habitat on the Hill Conference from February 8th to the 10th, 2022. Winners will be chosen at the end of this month.

Submit your plans & letters to aorfino@habitatcfc.org.

This service year has faced unique challenges, but through it all Narly kept a great attitude and work ethic. The efforts put in by Narly will have a lasting impact on our organization and the families we serve.

We wish Narly all the best in her future endeavors.