It is one thing to show a loss of financial support, but the effect is on production. Habitat had every expectation of being able to build 15 homes this year based on success of previous years. Would you believe it was only able to do five? There is only one new home in the pipeline at this time.
Habitat continues to operate its ReStore in Summerdale which supplements Habitat operations through recycling of donated items. But think about this. The usual condo renovation cycle at the end of each recreation season, has been suspended by many condo associations. This cycle generated many items for recycling which in turn could be utilized to augment the Habitat program. That is not happening this year. The Habitat recycling operation called "ReStore" is on Highway 59. With oil spill related decreased beach traffic, items that would ordinarily be purchased, remain in the ReStore. They occupy space and are not readily turned into needed Habitat operational income.
Unfortunately, "the volume of people in need of housing in Baldwin, is increasing," Cary notes. "But there are positives! We at Habitat have examined the things that we are good at and have found new opportunities."
Habitat is still concerned about building homes. Thrivent for Lutherans has actually invited Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County to apply for an unprecedented fourth year building grant. The foundation laid by volunteers Ned and Denise Owens in previous years has borne fruit from their organizational skills here in South Baldwin. In addition, Travelers Insurance is interested in supporting new work using the concrete strategy first implemented this year. Cory reported that Habitat may investigate other ancillary new technology, e.g., building interior walls at the Habitat warehouse in Foley as part of that concrete building strategy. While home exterior would be concrete, interior construction would use conventional wood framing. Warehouse construction would be hauled to the concrete work site.
The Habitat program has participated in the umbrella-agency organization called the "Baldwin County Housing Alliance," particularly as it relates to the "Home Repair Task Force." Some 4000 homes need renovation help in our county. Habitat is looking for funding for this program with potentially many players. "There are many opportunities for people and small groups to do 'little' projects with this Task Force," Cory observed.
"Brush of Kindness" is a new inhouse-developed Habitat program. Essentially, minor exterior repairs, painting, and landscaping can be addressed by Brush of Kindness, accessed through Habitat. This new program aims to build pride in community.
"Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing," a Habitat brochure notes. To be eligible for purchase of a Habitat home, a family must have an income of at least $16,000 (family of four) because there is a need for some mortgage responsibility, a genuine need for assistance, and a willingness to partner with Habitat for building (think, "sweat equity). Community donors subsidize home building and may support that building of homes with a variety of financial gifts. It takes $65,000 to cover materials, labor, and land costs for an entire house. It takes $7500 to frame a house. It takes $500 to build one storage shed, the first item erected on any Habitat building site. It takes $100 for a kitchen sink. It takes $50 for a hammer and a bucket of nails. Any donation amounts are appreciated.
But supporters may choose to help by donating used building materials, hardware, appliances, furniture, and so forth. Even boats, trucks, and hot tubs have found new homes through Habitat recycling at ReStore. And there is pick up if things can't be gotten to the ReStore in Summerdale (phone 251-989-6422)!
Habitat has an office staff of five and the ReStore a staff of two. This does not include several part-time staff who contribute significantly to the Habitat operation. Habitat can foster home repair applications related to Brush of Kindness by doing pre-screening of applicants re income and home inspection. It can get volunteers into work opportunities, even simple things like answering a phone, mowing grass, raking, etc. And would you believe? Training. Habitat is willing to train volunteers.
Questions about volunteer opportunities or donations can be directed to Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County at 251-943-7268 in Foley. General information is available at its website at Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County.
