E-Newsletter | January 2023
CEO Corner
Happy New Year!
 
As we near the end of the first month of the new year, we continue to share excitement about all of the plans that we have for 2023 at Habitat CFC! As I shared last month, we dedicated our 279th home. We plan to dedicate many more homes this year. We have so many qualified low-income working families who are prepared to make the dream of homeownership a reality. I truly admire our families for making a decision to create a better life for their families. Habitat homes are sold way below Fairfield County market value. We offer a mortgage with no down payment and no interest. In addition, the mortgage amount never exceeds more than 30% of the family’s household income. We continuously provide affordable homeownership opportunities for families. We are proud of our partnership with families, volunteers, donors and supporters.
 
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!

With Gratitude,
Carolyn Vermont
CEO, Habitat CFC
We did it!!! $1,000,000 raised to purchase a large property on Chopsey Hill Road in Bridgeport!
Last fall, through our Annual Appeal, we asked for your support to help us raise the funds needed to purchase a large property on Chopsey Hill Road in Bridgeport, CT so that we will be able to build 10 homes for hardworking, low-income families.
 
Our donors, friends and family joined us and we were able to raise $500,000! These dollars were then matched dollar-for-dollar by The Bauer Foundation for a total of $1,000,000 to make this project a reality!
 
Habitat CFC will now work on finalizing the purchase of the property. The land will then be subdivided into building lots and necessary infrastructure improvements will be completed prior to us beginning the construction on 10 homes for 10 families.
 
We want to extend a big thank you to George and Carol Bauer of the Bauer Foundation and to everyone who contributed to the Annual Appeal. Without you, we wouldn’t have been able to lay the groundwork to transform 10 families’ lives with energy efficient and affordable homeownership opportunities.
Remodeling, cleaning out your home, downsizing or just getting organized?
Consider donating to our ReStore in Stratford! Donations of new and gently used items from individuals and businesses in our community are then sold to the public at a reduced cost, usually 50-70 percent of the original retail value! All sales net proceeds benefit the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County.
Employee Spotlight - Sarah Petro
“I admire and respect the work that Habitat CFC does for families who become first-time home buyers and the positive impact our organization has on neighborhoods in which we build. Habitat for Humanity has such a monumental effect on our community and I am excited to be a part of it.” -Sarah Petro, Financial Assistant
Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Ann Simmons
"Good housing and good education is key for families and their children to improve themselves. This is probably about my fourth house - my fourth build. Haven't done it in a couple years because of COVID but I'm happy to be back and I look forward to doing it again!" - Karen Ann Simmons

Watch Karen in action as she works on a house on William Street in Bridgeport, CT!
Tickets are on sale now!
Habitat CFC's April Fools' Masquerade Ball

You are cordially invited to Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County’s Annual Gala on April 1, 2023.

Join us for our April Fools’ Masquerade Ball at the Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT for a night of dinner, dancing, live music, and a silent auction -- all to benefit our mission of creating affordable homes in Fairfield County!
Join us next month for our CEO Speaker Series: Black History Month conversation with...
Join us for a live conversation on Zoom in celebration of Black History Month! Carolyn Vermont; CEO of Habitat CFC, will be joined by David Femi; Senior Vice President, Business and Professional Banking Regional Manager - Fairfield County and Southern CT, and Head of Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy at M&T Bank.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. We hope you're able to join this virtual event!
Register today for our next homeownership informational session!
Join us for an informational session at the Bridgeport Public Library (925 Broad Street) to learn about the process of becoming a Habitat CFC homeowner! Some of the topics that will be covered at this event include:

  • The Homebuying Process
  • How to Get Qualified
  • The Application Process
  • Sweat Equity & More

Attending one of our informational sessions is required to begin your Habitat CFC homeowner application process. Joining an informational session is free.

Interested in joining? Please register below. 
Questions? Please call us 203-333-2642 ext. 101.
Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County | 203-333-2642