Habitat CFC E-Newsletter | July 2022 |
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CEO Corner
Carolyn Vermont
Happy July!
As we enter the second half of 2022, I reflect on all of our accomplishments over the last six months. Each time we close on a home, and I present the families with the keys to their new home, I am overcome with joy knowing that the keys not only open the door to their new home but also to their future. Becoming a Habitat homeowner transforms lives in many ways. Our families have a decent place to call home where their children have their own bedrooms and a yard to play. They finally have stability. Research has indicated that owning an affordable home contributes to improved financial health, educational opportunities, career growth and overall well-being.
We continue to partner with donors, supporters, families, volunteers, and staff to build affordable homes for low-income, working families residing in Coastal Fairfield County. We have been busy with our recruitment efforts to ensure that we have a diverse pool of qualified applicants to select from for our Homeownership Program.
At Habitat CFC, we put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Thank you for continuing the journey with us!
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Advancing Black Homeownership |
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Habitat CFC has joined Habitat International along with other Habitat affiliates all over the country to prioritize Advancing Black Homeownership, Habitat’s commitment to closing the Black homeownership gap.
Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live, but a structure of intentional and systemic racial discrimination in the U.S. has created barriers to homeownership for many Black families.
Systemic discrimination has persisted into present policy, from redlining to inequitable access to mortgage credit. Taken together, these practices are barriers to saving for a down payment, getting a loan and affording a home – and they threaten the vitality and prosperity of every community.
Across the U.S., Black families are less likely to own their own homes than white families. During Habitat’s 45-year history, our work has helped close that homeownership gap; in FY2021, Black homeowners made up 43% of the families who partnered to build with us. But we must do more.
"On a local level, Habitat CFC has been working on a comprehensive strategy for advancing Black homeownership to help dismantle the systemic bias that has prevented generations of Black families living in Fairfield County from accessing the intergenerational wealth-building potential of homeownership," said Carolyn Vermont, Habitat CFC's CEO. "We will share more about this important work over the coming months."
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Exciting News... Two Habitat Homeowners Paid Off Their Mortgages! |
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Robert Britto purchased 575 Shelton St. Bridgeport, CT, for $62,585 on May 27, 1998. At the time of purchase, his children, Blanche, and Robert Jr., were only teenagers and had an opportunity to enjoy the pride of homeownership. Robert recently spoke with Family Services about his commitment to completing his sweat equity hours; he believed working on his home was worth it because he wanted a beautiful home for his children. Robert also shared fond memories of his home's dedication ceremony, where he baked a large sheet cake in the shape of his new home for the celebration.
Maria Ramos purchased 21 Orchard St. Bridgeport, CT, for $65,971 on December 30, 1997. She has enjoyed the pride of homeownership along with her four children, Jose, Luis, Mario, and Danaris, for the past 25 years. Maria was blessed to participate in the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Buydown program, where she received an $8,000 forgivable loan to pay down her principal, which enabled Maria to pay off her Habitat mortgage early.
We congratulate Habitat Homeowners Robert and Maria on achieving this incredible milestone of paying off their mortgages!
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AVANGRID National Habitat Build Month |
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July is National Habitat Month for AVANGRID! During the month, 20 Habitat builds have taken place in AVANGRID service areas around the country. For Habitat CFC, AVANGRID employees put on their hard hats and tool belts to work on framing walls on July 14th.
Habitat CFC and AVANGRID have a long history of partnering together dating back to some of the earliest work in partnership with what was then an independent United Illuminating. United Illuminating, now a subsidiary of AVANGRID has provided volunteers over the years to help Habitat build homes in the community.
AVANGRID’s support of our organization is a great example of how company partnerships can be beneficial in so many ways, including improving the quality of life for hardworking families in need of energy efficient, affordable housing as well as being a great way for AVANGRID employees to come together and volunteer in local communities. We are proud to have the utility company be part of our work and look forward to seeing AVANGRID’s employees volunteering at our construction sites again soon!
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On Team Build Days employees enjoy fun-filled, inspirational days of volunteering on Habitat worksites. Whether you manage a team or are an employee interested in having your company participate, please let your company know there is still time to schedule a Habitat CFC Team Build Day this year!
This unique, hands-on opportunity will also help make a family’s dream of homeownership possible. No experience is necessary; our construction staff is trained to teach employees everything they need to know. Habitat CFC builds communities and improves lives by eliminating substandard housing and creating affordable homeownership possibilities for families in Coastal Fairfield County. We build approximately 10 homes each year, providing year-round volunteer opportunities. Volunteering as a group is a great team-building activity as well as a unique opportunity to partner with a highly reputable non-profit organization. We have heard time and time again it is an experience the company and its employees never forget. That's why so many groups are back year after year!
For more information, check here or contact Kristen Alvanson, Director of Development, at kalvanson@habitatcfc.org or call (203) 333-2642, ext. 109.
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Over the last month, Habitat CFC’s Youth United volunteer group held a virtual fundraiser to help fund the construction of a child’s bedroom in a new Habitat CFC home. The goal for the fundraiser was to raise $1,500 which would be matched in full by a generous Youth United supporter. Donations came in from a number of individuals and we happily reached our goal!
Thank you to all who donated and thank you to all who helped spread the word about this fundraiser! Your contributions will help a child realize the dream of having their own bedroom in a brand new Habitat for Humanity home!
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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 for sponsorship options, or contact Kristen Alvanson, Director of Development, at kalvanson@habitatcfc.org or call (203) 333-2642, ext. 109. |
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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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