Greetings!
We are beginning 2019 with ambitious and exciting plans! In early 2018, two generous and visionary Habitat CFC supporters, George and Carol Bauer, presented us with a wonderful matching gift opportunity. The Bauers pledged to match all contributions up to $550,000 to help us raise the funds needed to build seven homes for seven hard working families on a property that we had acquired on Granfield Avenue in Bridgeport. Though Habitat CFC has built over 220 homes in Fairfield County, with the vast majority here in Bridgeport, we rarely have an opportunity to build this many new houses in one location – essentially creating a community of homeowners where today there is nothing but a vacant, overgrown lot.
I am thrilled to report that hundreds of donors stepped up to the challenge and thanks to each and every one of you, we have exceeded our goal! A total of 433 donations enabled us to surpass the match requirement. We are grateful for every gift, but since we always strive to grow the Habitat family, I am particularly proud to note that 76 of the contributions were made by donors who had not previously supported our efforts!
We are planning to break ground on this new building site in early spring. Look for the details in future communications. In the meantime, we are beginning to prepare the lot while continuing work on eight other homes on different sites already under construction. At the same time we are increasing our outreach and will soon be reviewing applications for future homeowners that will help build and ultimately purchase all of these new homes!
As you glance through this newsletter you will see many other exciting activities planned. There is no doubt that 2019 will be an extremely busy and productive year. This is what you have already made possible – and we hope you will feel inspired to join us for all of it!
With sincere gratitude for your support and best wishes,
