I hope this message finds you healthy and safe at home during these challenging times.
As you know, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County is like family – we support one another through life’s difficulties, we share experiences and resources, we teach new skills, we celebrate successes and we come together to build community.
We need all of this, now more than ever, even while being physically apart.
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Habitat has taken unprecedented steps to ensure the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, families and supporters. We have paused all volunteer activities in the office, on the construction site and at ReStore. We have had to cancel Homeowner Information Sessions and postpone the reopening of our homeowner application window. Partner families will resume money management/homeowner classes and their sweat equity hours when health officials determine it is safe to do so. Likewise, ReStore’s in-store operations are on hold until further notice. The Kirkwood office is closed and staff are working remotely to provide support and services to families in need of affordable housing.
You may be concerned about our current Habitat homeowners and know they are already vulnerable. Many of them are in positions at the forefront of the crisis, including restaurant and retail services, educational support and small business staff – employees to whom a missed paycheck can mean catastrophe. We recognize that circumstances will find many people unable to pay their mortgages to Habitat, which is why we are working with families to offer a variety of payment options, including mortgage forbearance.
Our single largest fundraising event of the year takes place each April/May:
Women Build. We have postponed our 20th Women Build and are hopeful it can take place in August. Future homeowners
Mary and
Keba are patiently waiting for the opportunity to build their forever homes with us and over 400 women who will volunteer their time. Nothing can stop women on a mission!
