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Upcoming Events
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Leadership Councils
For Habitat leaders, including board chairs and executive directors. Suggested contribution $15, includes lunch.
West Texas Leadership Council
Lubbock Habitat
August 8, 2013
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Learning Topic:
Policies and Procedures
RSVP Here
11:30 to 2:30
August 15, 2013
Fort Bend Habitat
Stafford, TX
Learning Topic: Affordability
RSVP Here
East Texas Leadership Council
Smith County Habitat-Tyler
August 22, 2013
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Learning Topic:
Recruiting and Retaining the
Right Board of Directors
RSVP Here
North Texas Leadership Council
Dallas Habitat
August 28, 2013
11:30 to 1:30
RSVP Here
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Ongoing Programs
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Affiliate Mentoring Program
Outstanding leaders from outstanding affiliates across the State of Texas are waiting to mentor you and your staff!
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The 83rd Legislative Session is over, but planning is beginning for the 84th Session in January 2015. Sign up!
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Contact Habitat Texas
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P.O. Box 850
Buda, TX 78610
512.523.5725
info@habitattexas.org
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Habitat Texas Leadership
Board of Directors
Kelly Weiss, President
Rob Ritchie, Vice President
Marc Spezialy, Treasurer
Celeste Cox, Secretary
Michael Willard, Past President
Alynda Best
Al Ellis
Bruce Gibson
Steve Smart
Cynthia Staley
Willie Strange
Kandace Tornquist
Gage Yager
Amy Ledbetter Parham, Director
amy@habitattexas.org
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Learning Opportunities
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Keeping God @ Center of Your Affiliate - A webinar on Thursday August 29, 2013
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Free for affiliate members of Habitat Texas. Registration required.
Register today by clicking here.
Having God at the center of your affiliate means including God in everyday decisions, actions and thoughts. It's about having God involved in the little stuff.
Over 40 years ago, from the very inception of our organization, Habitat for Humanity was founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and with an abiding belief that God's love extends to everyone, and in keeping with U.S. law, homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion or ethnic group. We also welcome volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
That said, we hold, above all else, our Christian principles.
Our partnership with people of all types is one of our strengths as an organization, but we see evidence that many organizations founded on Christian principles lose that identity when they approach their 50 year mark. With a commitment to follow a different path, the leadership of Habitat for Humanity is reaffirming our Christian heritage in real, meaningful ways that guide our decisions, both large and small, every day.
It is called "God@Center."
Presented by Joe Gatlin, Habitat for Humanity International with an update on World Habitat Day by Rick Carlson.
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Preparing for SOSI -
The Stewardship and Organizational Initiative
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What is SOSI?
SOSI is a new Habitat International policy intended to create a sustainable revenue stream to help finance a portion of operational costs incurred by HFHI to support the work of U.S. affiliates.
What does that mean to my affiliate?
Affiliates are required to pay an annual fee to remain in good standing. The amount of the annual fee is determined by population (according to the most recent U.S. Census) within the affiliate's approved Geographic Service Area (GSA). This is in addition to your affiliate's tithe.
How much will we have to pay?
Population categories and annual fee amounts are as follows:
- Small (<50,000): $1,500
- Intermediate (50,000-99,999): $5,000
- Medium (100,000 - 249,999): $7,500
- Large (250,000-749,999): $15,000
- Very Large (750,000 or greater): $25,000
When is this fee due?
There will be a phase-in period for fee implementation, as follows:
- Phase 1 - January 1, 2014: 33 percent of the regular annual fee amount will be invoiced with payment due January 31, 2014.
- Phase 2 - July 1, 2014: 67 percent of the regular annual fee amount will be invoiced with payment due July 31, 2014.
- Phase 3 - July 1, 2015 and thereafter: Regular annual fee amounts apply.
The SOSI fee will be invoiced annually at the beginning of Habitat International's fiscal year, July 1, and will be due July 31.
What is Habitat Texas' stance? - A note from the Executive Director
Habitat Texas, along with other State Support Organizations (SSOs), has made an effort to represent the diverse needs and viewpoints of affiliates across the country to Habitat International. And the viewpoints are truly diverse.
Some affiliates believe this will greatly impact their ability to remain an independent organization while others think it is just another cost of doing business. Some affiliates are talking about reducing their service area, others are planning expansions.
The feedback from SSOs and affiliates has resulted in some tweaking of the SOSI policy, most notably with the addition of an intermediate level in the fee structure.
The comment period is open for another month and, I believe, Habitat International is listening. That said, I also believe it is extremely unlikely that the policy will not be implemented.
It is my opinion that a more comprehensive policy that takes fundraising into consideration from the affiliate level to SSOs to Habitat International needs to be developed. If SOSI is coming, and it is, put everything on the table, across the board, in regard to fund development. That's where I think the focus should be - in developing a comprehensive approach and that is where I think Habitat International most needs to hear from you.
What should you do?
Comment. Let your voice be heard. The need is great and budgets are tight across our Habitat family. Prayerfully consider how we can work together to solve issues, then speak up and speak out! Our faith teaches us that ours is a God of abundance, not one of scarcity. We can solve problems together. Let Habitat International know what you consider a fair and comprehensive policy of fundraising.
Habitat Texas' pledge
We will continue to work with other SSOs to develop a comprehensive funding policy. If you comment, copy me on it because I want to know where you stand.
Most importantly, we want you to succeed! We will continue to work with you to help you develop your ability to be a sustainable organization. That includes the funding opportunities released in these newsletters, mentoring program, help with grant-writing, development of government resources that support affordable housing, strategic planning with your board of directors and more. Let me know what else you need and how we can help.
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Around the State
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Family Services Opportunity
Low-income Texans outside of Austin can qualify for an 82 percent reduction in their electricity bills if they apply by Aug. 13. For more information, click here.
Disaster Assistance
As you know, we had two major disasters in Texas last spring. Waco Habitat is actively involved in the recovery for West Fertilizer Plant explosion. The community has published a needs list that has simple things you or your affiliate may be able to help with - everything from office supplies to home appliances, hygiene products to vehicles and everything in between is listed. Take a look: For more information, click here.
Welcome, Rick Carlson
Please join me in welcoming Habitat Texas intern, Rick Carlson. Rick as a seminary student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He has come on board to help plan World Habitat Day which will be on October 7, 2013. Look for information in the coming weeks from Rick about how you can get your affiliate, faith communities, and volunteers involved.
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Notice of Grant Opportunities
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The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs announces the availability of $3,578,250 in funding from the Housing Trust Fund Division for the Amy Young Barrier Removal Program through TDHCA's first-come, first-served Reservation System For Fiscal Year 2014, approximately $1,789,125 in combined project and administration funding will be made available at 10:00 a.m. on October 1, 2013.
Starting on July 26, 2013, the Department will accept applications from organizations seeking authorization to access the Reservation System (which opens on October 1, 2013) on an ongoing basis until all Program funds are reserved. For the release of funding for FY 2015, the Department will reopen the process for accepting applications from organizations seeking authorization to access the Reservation System on July 1, 2014.
Organizations interested in applying to administer the Program must complete the Amy Young Barrier Removal Program Reservation System Access Application, which may be downloaded from the Amy Young Barrier Removal Program page. Upon review and approval, a Reservation System Access Agreement will be provided by the Department and must be executed by the Applicant in order to participate in the Reservation System.
Need help with grant-writing? We can do that.
Email info@habitattexas.org.
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As always,let us know how we can serve you. Please call me at 512-523-5725.
Sincerely,
Amy Ledbetter Parham, Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Texas
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