January 3, 2025

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On Sunday, Dec. 29, we learned the sad news that world humanitarian and champion of Habitat for Humanity, President Jimmy Carter has passed away. Inspiring millions over the last 35 years, President and Mrs. Carter traveled across the world with Habitat, working alongside more than 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build or repair 4,390 homes.

A Letter from Katie Curry, Executive Director of MacHabitat

Many of you have heard the story of the beginning of McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity… Bernie Turner was inspired when he heard former President Jimmy Carter speak about his work with Habitat for Humanity. How many of you know that it was a 1988 speech at Linfield where Bernie saw and heard the former President?

President Carter came to McMinnville as part of Linfield’s Gordon G. Frazee Lectureship series. In a twist of fate, I, too, was at that event. I was a freshman at Linfield that year, and President Carter was the second former president to visit the college in as many months, with former President Gerald Ford visiting two months before. I thought how amazing it was that former U.S. Presidents just drop by and speak at small liberal arts colleges! (I had no idea how lucky I was…)

President Carter’s impact on McMinnville Oregon in his post-presidency era was large, as it was a crucial component in starting MacHabitat. And this was true all over the world. I would guess that for most people, hearing “Habitat for Humanity” conjures up images of President Carter and his wife Rosalynn, as they were the ultimate ambassadors, spokespeople, and volunteers for the organization. You can’t think of one without the other. When I took the job at MacHabitat, I even had someone ask me, “Is Jimmy Carter your boss?”

Boss? No. Inspiration? Yes.

With the Carters’ unwavering message of service to others shown not only in their words, but more importantly in their actions, we are moved to continue that legacy at MacHabitat, knowing everyone deserves a decent place to live. I invite each of you to do something to serve others in the coming weeks as we honor the life and legacy of President Carter. Or better yet… make it your 2025 Resolution!

-- Katie Curry, McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity

To honor President Carter, beginning Tuesday, January 7, MacHabitat will display a framed door in our ReStore. We invite you to come and leave a message on the door to remember this wonderful man.

Welcoming in a new year at the ReStore, Aspire, and beyond!

New Year, New Homes! The three single family homes we began in 2024 are now getting all dressed up for the new year with new walls, roofs and exterior siding! These MacHabitat builds have come a long way, and they will become homes to three future homeowners and their families this coming year. Thanks to a generous grant through Fairview Trust, we are also thrilled to share that we are building TWO additional homes for individuals with intellectual/disabilities. This is a huge win -- it will allow us to serve our underrepresented neighbors, AND add "Universal Design/Accessibility Features" layouts to our inventory of affordable homes in the community. All five homes and a vibrant community park are expected to be completed by Spring 2025.

Our new Repair Program, which we began last year, is now in full swing! This program is designated for low-income homeowners to repair and rehabilitate their homes at no cost through community partnerships and volunteer power. This long-anticipated program is still in the early stages, but we are thrilled to have completed our first repairs, including a Repair Blitz to serve three homeowners at risk of losing their homes. We have work to do - and we need your help! Contact us to volunteer or apply.

Meanwhile, at the ReStore, we are back OPEN for all of your New Year needs. What’s your New Year’s resolution? If your goal is to…

• Work on a construction or home renovation project
• Spruce up your home with treasures and furniture
• Clean out your home by donating unwanted items
• Shop locally
• Support a nonprofit and give back to your community

… come pay the ReStore a visit!

Open Tuesday-Saturday

Donations: 9am-3pm (closed Tuesdays)

Shopping: 10am-4pm

New updates, same mission to build a community where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live. Hoping the year is off to a great start for you, our wonderful community!

Pictured above: Aspire Park & Community Garden project in the works!

MacHabitat has a new Instagram page: "MacHabitatforHumanity". In a sad automation error, our account was disabled by Instagram. We are fervently trying to get it back - and in the meantime, it would mean the world for you to give our new account a follow.

Thank you for continuing this journey with us! Click the icon below to follow us on Instagram!