Newsletter for Nevada County Habitat Homeowners

Habitat Homeowner Earns College Degree

Growing up, Randall Nolan didn’t get much help in planning his future. “In my house, it was ‘Once you’re 18, you’re on your own.’” Randall realized he’d need to set goals and plans for himself, and saw joining the military as part of making his way. “I actually joined the military in large part because I thought it would help me get an education. I always admired people who had a college degree.   His route took a bit longer than planned, but four years ago, when he turned 37, Randall started at Sierra College. “I was told that it would probably take me six years to finish up.” But this December, four years after starting at Sierra College, Randall graduated from Chico State University with a degree in Urban and Environmental Planning and a certificate in Land Use Planning. Raising and providing for a family and building a successful business while going to school was challenging. And Covid added a whole new set of obstacles. Randall credits having a stable affordable home with allowing him to branch out and pursue his educational goal. “Knowing we could afford our housing let me dream a little bigger. Habitat allowed me to have a foundation to launch from.”

Habitat Director of Development is Boise Bound

Three and a half years ago Jim Phelps heard that there was an opening at Nevada County Habitat for Humanity and he knew he wanted to apply. “I was working for a housing nonprofit in Sacramento, but I wanted to do something for my own community.”   As development director, Jim’s job description is simple: to raise money and raise awareness for Nevada County Habitat.  “I’m totally committed to the Habitat mission,” says Jim. “I love the team, which includes our volunteers and homeowners.” Jim likes the fact that the Habitat brand is so well known. And the Habitat network gives him a group of staff people to learn from. “You’re never on your own,” he says. “There is a huge learning opportunity talking to other affiliates.”   This network alerted him to an opportunity to create the position of Development Director for the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity in a growing metro area. “As much as I love Nevada County, this new opportunity seemed tailor-made for me to use what I’ve learned here, and apply it in a larger affiliate.” Jim and his wife will be moving to Boise in mid-April. “Jim Phelps is, and will continue to be, our very dear friend,” says Nevada County Habitat Executive Director Lorraine Larson. “We will all miss him, and we wish him all the best in the road ahead. His work leaves this Habitat Affiliate strong, and we are grateful for his extraordinary contribution. He will continue to be a part of the greater Habitat family in his new role as Development Director for Boise Valley Habitat in Idaho. Boise Valley Habitat is so lucky to be adding a real gem to their team!”

Money Matters Former Habitat treasurer and financial educator, Ted Cohrt, reminds us that paying the minimum on credit cards can lead to a false sense of financial security, particularly on high interest rate cards. Read more on the topic in this article.

Did You Know? The NC Habitat Homeowner Resources web page contains lots of information for homeowners – with a focus on Nevada County. Find information on topics from avoiding costly home repairs to how to be a good neighbor. Keeping an inoperative vehicle on your private property or public property for more than ten days is an infraction of city ordinance. For non-emergency services, Connecting Point 211 provides callers with information on both public and non-profit community resources. 211 can help you find resources for transportation, children’s services, senior services and more. Just dial 211 from any phone or visit their website – a wealth of information about our local and surrounding areas is available there. Need help navigating Connecting Point? The Homeowner Support Committee can help. Contact Ann Davis by email or call (530) 559-1042. Barbara Dean, Chair of the NC Habitat Homeowner Selection Committee is helping her church find a child care provider. The position is for Sunday mornings, 10-20 hours per month. Know someone who might be interested? Contact Barbara Dean.

We want your feedback! Have issues or questions about your Habitat home or neighborhood? We are eager to hear from you. Send the Homeowner Support Committee an email.   You are receiving this from Nevada County Habitat's Homeowner Support Committee, with the goal of providing education, resources, and ongoing support to the Nevada County Habitat homeowner community.

530.274.1951 | www.nchabitat.org