July 2021
Hello from our new Executive Director!
I am very pleased to be writing to you as the newest member of the team here at Habitat. In my first few weeks, I have been graciously welcomed by our dedicated staff, as well as the wonderful volunteers on the board, on the job site, and in the ReStore. My first Executive Director job was with Habitat for Humanity 7 Rivers Maine, and this feels like coming back home - some things are familiar and some things have evolved, but the mission is still the same.
In our last newsletter, we asked if you had any questions for me, and we saw three themes arise:

What does Habitat mean to you?
On the surface, Habitat’s goal is to ensure that everyone has safe, decent, and affordable housing. But when we look below the surface, we see the real goal is that everyone has a home - a place where they can live, laugh and learn; where they can build memories; and where they can nurture their hopes and dreams. When we build or repair a house so that it is safe, warm and dry, we are laying the foundation upon which a family will have the opportunity to build their home.

What are you most excited about in your new position?
I am most excited about the opportunities I see to help more families in our community. We will be finishing the homes in Freeport and starting eight new homes in South Portland; we will be expanding our new Critical Home Repair Program which was sidelined during the pandemic, and we will be exploring other ways that we can use our talents and resources to build communities and hope. I’m also excited every day by the boundless energy and enthusiasm I see in our staff and our volunteers. We can only accomplish our goals as a team, and this one is strong.
 
What is your vision of Habitat in five years?
In five years, I see Habitat as an organization grounded in the vision of a home for everyone and using every tool in our belt to achieve our goals. I see us as a key partner in providing affordable housing in Cumberland County and a thought leader across the state. I see us becoming involved in community development and revitalization efforts that strengthen the bonds and develop resilience in our neighborhoods. I see us reaching out to engage our supporters in this work and growing the circle of people who believe that creating a home for one creates a community for all.

I am grateful to each of you for your support, and I hope that I will have the opportunity to meet you on a job site or in the ReStore, or at a future event. In the meantime, my door is always open, and I welcome a call, an email, or a visit if you have questions or just want to say hello.
Take Care,

Tara Hill
Executive Director   
Almost Halfway to St. Patrick's Day 5K - August 29


Run Baxter Boulevard with us on Sunday, August 29! Join us for the Almost Halfway to St. Patrick's Day 5K for a great race and benefit for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland. Pre-register by August 20th to receive a shirt or stein.
Clover- Irish Road Rovers
Want to volunteer at the race? We're looking for a few people to help with packet pick-up and traffic control. If you're interested in helping, email laura@habitatme.org.
Habitat in the News
Watch our new Executive Director Tara Hill and Construction Manager Chad Mullin discuss how Habitat is tackling the affordable housing crisis and how our Critical Home Repair program helps low-income homeowners. Thanks to WGME CBS 13!
Attention Photographers!

To our professional and amateur photographers - we need your help! We need some new photos and videos of our volunteers working on the construction site for our social media, marketing materials, etc. Are you interested in capturing the spirit of Habitat at work?

Email laura@habitatme.org for more information.
ReStore Update
The ReStore will be closed Thursday July 1, Friday July 2, and Saturday July 3 for a Staff Retreat. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We are excited to welcome two new staff members to our team! Next time you're in the store say to Alisa and Gunnar! 
Check out our new offerings from RECOLOR® premium recycled paint! The company diverts unused paint from landfills, waterways, and from incineration and uses them to create premium quality recycled paint.

We are currently offering interior, exterior, and chalk paints in select colors starting at $12 for a quart. New colors are coming soon!
Our ReStore, located at 659 Warren Avenue in Portland, is open to the public! Visit us Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00-5:00 and keep up with us by following our facebook page!
Critical Home Repair
After a pause during the pandemic, our Critical Home Repair program is back to doing indoor jobs! To keep our families and staff safe, we've been working on outdoor jobs only over the past year. Since our staff is now fully vaccinated, we're able to do these important repairs for homeowners in need.


Do you know a low-income Maine homeowner whose home requires safety and structural repairs? Learn more.

Thanks to our Sponsors!
Thank You to our Core Partners!
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland
659 Warren Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
(207) 772-2151 / info@habitatme.org