Habitat CFC E-Newsletter | June 2022 |
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CEO Corner
Carolyn Vermont
Happy summer!
I hope that you are all enjoying the beautiful weather that we have been experiencing. It is a great time of year to have our volunteers continue to build at our construction sites. We are so thankful for all of our volunteers.
During this month of June, we continue to embrace diversity by celebrating cultural recognitions such as National Caribbean American Heritage Month and Juneteenth. We held a successful CEO Speaker Series for National Caribbean American Heritage month. I also attended various Juneteenth events such as flag raisings, parades, and dedications across Fairfield County. Our staff, Board of Directors, supporters, volunteers and families contribute to the diversity at Habitat CFC. As a result, we learn from each other. Our overall mission is to build affordable homes for low-income, working families. However, our day-to-day actions demonstrate the love and respect that we have for each other. We are living in a world of uncertainty. We are bombarded with news on a daily basis about hateful, destructive acts that result in our world falling apart. At Habitat CFC, we continue to build communities where our families are provided with a stable environment, and have a place to call home.
Thank you for being a part of our Habitat CFC community!
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How we have celebrated National Homeownership Month... |
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June is National Homeownership Month! It has been an incredible month celebrating the economic importance, value, and joy of owning a home. Homeownership is the leading wealth generator for low-income working families. Habitat CFC seeks to transform lives by providing a pathway to homeownership for low-income families. Habitat CFC's "Path to Homeownership" three-part series sparked an interest in homebuying for over 20 individuals interested in applying for a Habitat CFC home. We also provided a special seminar for current Habitat CFC homeowners and held the following events:
Lunch and Learn Topic: Homeownership - Myths vs. Facts -Tuesday, June 21, 2022, facilitated by Bridgette P. Russell, Managing Director, HomeOwnership Center (HOC), NHS New Haven. We opened the virtual workshop with a discussion about Habitat’s affordable homeownership program. Bridgette spoke with 15 attendees about dispelling myths about buying a home, and ensured all prospective homeowners know the facts are critical. She also discussed down payment assistance programs and access to affordable homes.
Advancing Black Homeownership: Thursday, June 23, 2022
Habitat CFC's Director of Family Services, Valencia Goodridge, was the guest speaker for the Greater Bridgeport Branch of NAACP’s monthly meeting. The attendees learned about the History of Race and Housing in the US, including discriminatory practices that had lasting adverse effects on wealth generation for Blacks. Valencia shared Habitat’s commitment to providing education and access to affordable homeownership in the community. 25 members were in attendance!
A Conversation - Affordable Homeownership: Sunday, June 26, 2022, Habitat CFC held a community conversation in-person at Faith Gospel Assembly Ministries, Inc., Senior Pastor Brenda Barnes. The room was filled with excitement as 20 parishioners and guests learned about Habitat CFC’s zero percent interest and zero down payment affordable mortgage program and 12 individuals requested applications!
Building Community for Habitat Homeowners: Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Habitat CFC will host a community in-person workshop for New Homeowners – How to Build Community within Neighborhoods. We hope the workshop will be well attended.
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Congratulations Ramon and Vanessa on closing on your Habitat CFC home!!!! |
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Congratulations Yalitza and family on closing on your Habitat CFC home!!!! |
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Customer Appreciation Day at the ReStore
a chance to thank our shoppers and donors
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On Saturday June 4th, the Habitat CFC ReStore hosted a Customer Appreciation Day - a chance for us to say thank you to the shoppers and donors who sustain us. The day included giveaways such as t-shirts, hats, pens, and more.
There were also free refreshments including drinks, snacks, and Micalizzi’s Italian Ice! We hosted a shred truck on-site and we even had Youth United host their very own bake sale! Thank you to all the volunteers that helped support this day and thanks to all our customers and donors. We appreciate you all year round!
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Volunteer Spotlight: Habitat CFC Volunteer Spotlight – Cooperative Education Services
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This month’s Volunteer Spotlight focuses on the youth volunteers from C.E.S. (Cooperative Education Services). Starting in October of 2021, volunteers from C.E.S. helped the Habitat CFC ReStore in Stratford. Each week, C.E.S. would bring a group of 3-4 volunteers to aid with various projects throughout the store.
C.E.S. is based in Trumbull and provides educational supports and services to school districts and communities in Fairfield County. C.E.S. offers community-based education through their four school programs, educational and support training and other community and school-district related services.
Years back, C.E.S. would come to volunteer on our Habitat CFC construction sites and in our warehouse. They typically would work with our Site Supervisor Jacques and would take part in activities including installing insulation, drywall, and sometimes clearing snow from worksites. It was a terrific opportunity for the kids because they were learning a trade while volunteering.
When we asked Amy Myers, who is a part of the Therapeutic Day Program at C.E.S., what the volunteers thought of their time at the ReStore, she said, “The youth volunteers thought it was a wonderful experience. The ReStore manager, Rich, was fantastic and good with the students and the students enjoyed being around him. The kids were looking for a change from their typical assignments at retail stores and childcare centers. The students were happy with a new experience that gave them freedom to move around."
Thank you to Amy and all the students who participated over the last few months. C.E.S. plans to return to the ReStore in the fall and we look forward to working with them again!
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FOURSOMES SOLD OUT!
The 29th Annual Habitat CFC Golf Outing will take place on Monday, September 19, 2022 at The Country Club of Fairfield. All foursomes have sold out. However, there are a number of special sponsorships still available as a way to show your support.
Click here to here for sponsorship options, or contact Kristen Alvanson, Director of Development, at kalvanson@habitatcfc.org or call (203) 333-2642. |
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You can keep even more materials out of landfills by donating your gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials to our Stratford Habitat Restore!
Donations gratefully accepted at the store.
If you are dropping off a donation, please arrive 30 minutes prior to closing.
Store Hours:
Tuesday to Friday 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM
Closed every Sunday and Monday
Schedule a Pick-Up
or call 203-383-4358
All sales net proceeds benefit the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County.
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Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County | 203-333-2642
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