HabiChat Volume 40, Issue 2, Spring 2020
Thank You, Volunteers
pensacolahabitat.org rethinkhabitat.org
We Appreciate Our Volunteers (even when you can’t volunteer) Board of Directors Mei Davis Chairwomen
Gene Franklin Vice Chairman Mike Adkins Treasurer Skip Vogelsang Secretary Al Coby Dawn Brazwell Michele Dumond Rabbi Joel Fleekop Siobhan Gallagher Julie Griffin Sandra Hodges Pat Hubbard Mike Lanwehr Matt Newcomer Dr. Charles Reese Betty Salter Josh Womack Karen Wright
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION # CH37256
There are no words to string together that would overstate the extraordinary circumstances we are all currently living through. A global pandemic has such an effect. I should begin this piece by saying that it is our greatest wish and deepest prayer that all of the family and friends of Pensacola Habitat are well and doing what is important to stay well. For most of the country, indeed most of the world, that means staying at home and minimizing contact with others; however, as so many now remind us, apart doesn’t mean alone. Pensacola Habitat is continuing to do what it can to keep the lights on and the organization going – even if the doors are closed; we’re working to keep the community together Our mission has – even if we are physically separated; and we’re working to been slowed keep hope in the forefront – even in the face of an expanding crisis.
but not extinguished.
You may recognize that two thirds of the above paragraph’s jobs are found in the Mission Statement of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity… Seeking to put God’s love into action, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. What we’re not doing at this time is building homes because we build for individual identified and qualified families. Given this time of great financial uncertainty, we have decided to stop new construction until we can determine how the families in our ‘cue’ have been impacted in a way that may delay their dream of homeownership. In partnership with these families, we commit to work with them toward achieving that goal. Furthemore, in stewardship to our supporters, we are postponing the commencement of new construction until we know the buyers are ready and able to accept the reality of homeownership: a mortgage. That leaves bringing people together. We manage that bit of our mission well between home builds, community advocacy programs, golf tournaments, neighborhood ‘Rock-the-Block’ clean-ups, and other events. Last year, our annual Food Truck Festival was visited by an estimated 12,000 attendees. This year’s festival was scheduled for the first weekend of April. Needless to say, the party was postponed. Our mission has been slowed but not extinguished. The new home construction will begin again when we can complete assessments of the current capacity of partner families for purchasing a new home. We are seeking to continue the bringing people together part as well even if the ‘together’ has to take on a new interpretation. Our Community Engagement staff is working to structure this summer’s Community Summit, our annual (continued on page 3)
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HabiChat Spring 2020: Thank You, Volunteers
cont. from page 2 information and advocacy event, as a virtual event held online. There’s promise in that. The other opportunity to bring people together is in encouraging our volunteers to join the other group of Pensacola Habitat stakeholders through financial support of the ministry (if they’re not already donors). We even have a club for that! The members of the Square Foot Club commit to support the work of Pensacola Habitat through regular, ongoing giving (see more information on page 5, back cover). This current time of ‘business as anything but usual’ might be an opportunity for you to reconnect with Pensacola Habitat in an unsual way. If you are primarily a volunteer, this month we highlight your commitment and celebrate your contributions to our mission. While we cannot be together in a physical sense, we can still join together with our neighbors in support of the ministry that is Pensacola Habitat for Humanity with prayers, gifts, and hope. Sincerely,
It all began with a volunteer... by Imani Davis You can’t talk about Pensacola Habitat for Humanity without talking about Mrs. Betty Salter. Betty has devoted over 30 years of volunteer services at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. For 21 of those years, she served as volunteer Executive Director, and continues to serve on the Land Committee for several years. She hasn’t slowed down yet;she shows he continuous support by serving on the board of directors.
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“We build people while we build homes.” -Betty Salter
Betty and her husband, James Salter
Throughout her many years of service, she has received numerous awards including the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from Habitat International, Florida Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, and the Florida Governor’s Points of Light Award in 2000. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s building is named after her and her husband James as a result of their strides to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Betty’s hard work and dedication have grown Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and the community we serve. We would not be the affiliate we are today if it were not for Mrs. Betty! Her countless selfless acts have and continue to lead us to greatness. At Pensacola Habitat for Humanity we strive to model the efforts and preaching of Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity International. Mrs. Betty is the perfect example of this, she is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, and many are following in her footsteps. Betty and her husband, James Salter
Timothy Evans Executive Director/CEO
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James Salter and Millard Fuller
Construction Volunteering College Students Giving Their All by Christina Enriquez
Concordia University, Michigan State, and Ohio State University at Newark traveled long and far to help Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s efforts of building homes, communities, and hope during their spring break. Their dedication to the vision of ‘everyone deserves a decent place to live’ is proven by their devotion and commitment.
“I see life as both a gift and responsibility.
My responsibility is to use what God has given me to help His people in need.” -Millard Fuller God has given the gift and passion for helping others to the students who participated in the 2020 colligate challenge. These students have reached wide across multiple communities to transform families, one homeowner, at a time. Josh, a freshman at Ohio State University, joined Collegiate Challenge for the first time this year. He expressed his passion for affordable homeownership and conveyed that his favorite part was how it helped him get out of his shell and meet new people. During his time volunteering he formed a passion for helping others and hopes after graduation to open his own construction company and partner with the Habitat affiliate in his hometown. Volunteers like Josh are what makes Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s mission achievable. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 not all the colleges signed up
were able to participate this year. However, they continued to provide overwhelming support and promote the community aspect of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope! Everyone at Pensacola Habitat says thank sf udent t s o Tw
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you to Maryville University, Purdue University, and University of Tennessee as well for their support from afar.
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HabiChat Spring 2020: Thank You, Volunteers
Women Build Homes, Communities, and Hope by Christina Enriquez Women Build is a community build event that brings people together to construct new homes for families in the community. In 2019, 107 like-minded individuals teamed up to help an inspiring young woman achieve her goal of owning a home by volunteering a total of 705 hours. The homeowner, Cazell Davis completed her sweat equity hours alongside the women builders. With all the activities women build had to offer, she finished her hours quickly. She continued to put forth her efforts, donating her extra hours to a family in need also going through the program. “God has truly blessed me, and I thank him every day for his continuous blessings,” said Davis. In 2019, the Women Build program raised $92,135 to go towards the mission of building homes, communities, and hope. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity strives each year to exceed their goal and grow bigger than ever before. Women build adds a ripple effect throughout the community, providing the opportunity to engage and help your neighbors build up the community one homeowner at a time. To sign up, go to
womenbuild.pensacolahabitat.org/
2020 Women Build week will be October 24th, October 27th - 31st.
Women Builders on the worksite in 2019 hammering together framing for Cazell’s home
Join the Square Foot Club! pensacolahabitat.org/square-foot-club Donors pledging recurring donations to Pensacola Habitat are welcomed into our Square Foot Club! Square Foot Club members will receive unique benefits like car decals, exclusive ReStore coupons, and invitations to special events. Pledge your support for helping to build homes, communities, and hope today. 5
Office Volunteering Our Database Expert: Edie Thornton by Courtney Hawkins
“For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.” -Millard Fuller When Edie volunteers in the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity office, she carries an aura of undeniable dependability. Edie began to volunteer regularly with us in October 2019 after moving to Pensacola to retire. She first started her journey with us by taking a tour of our facility to learn more about Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and how we impact our local community. Having previous experience with housing while working at a private construction company, Edie understands the importance of having a stable home and financial wellbeing. Affordable homeownership is Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s answer for our community. Volunteering is crucial to Edie’s way of life. She explains that “Volunteering is a great way to stay connected and invested in your community.” Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a family, and when you volunteer with us, you become a part of us. Edie started with office work, but that bloomed into multiple days per week at our offices and a seat on our Pensacola Food Truck Festival event planning committee. She is now
Edie Thornton pictured above.
a familiar face at our offices. Without Edie and her expertise in crucial database programs, Pensacola Habitat would be in a different position today as Edie says, “[Pensacola] Habitat for Humanity is about more than just building houses.” We need a variety of volunteers including retail workers, quilt makers, and database experts. Pensacola Habitat is grateful for volunteers like Edie, and we say thank you.
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HabiChat Spring 2020: Thank You, Volunteers
ReStore Volunteering Refresh, Renew, ReStore Yourself
by Christina Enriquez
There are so many ways that you can help Pensacola Habitat for Humanity achieve our mission of building homes, communities, and hope. At the ReStore, revenue earned by selling donated furniture, appliances, building materials, and more is reinvested in our community to provide affordable homeownership options to families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
This is God’s work. It makes blisters and it makes sweat, but it’s worth my time and it’s worth your time...
Working together as God’s people in the world--I don’t know of anything more rewarding.” -Millard Fuller
To achieve this, the support of volunteers is crucial. “Volunteering is important for many reasons that benefit both the community and the volunteer,” said Clay Copeland, Director of the ReStore. When someone donates their time, the difference made is tremendous and it shapes a community for the better while the experience improves the person who donated the time. Those who volunteer at the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore are the advocates, supporters, and friends of the affiliate. Without them, the organization wouldn’t be where they are today. Everyone who has dedicated their time to the ReStore has impacted the community in a big way. “The volunteers that we see coming to the ReStore have assorted backgrounds. We see retired engineers to stay at home moms; they have one thing in common for certain. They all understand that giving of
oneself, with no expectation of receiving anything in return, is key to a happy life,” said Copeland. Although the ReStore is not open at this time, you can still help! Keep the ReStore in mind when you are spring cleaning because your donation helps build homes in our community. Let us know if you have something you would like us to pick up when we reopen by visiting, https://pensacolahabitat.org/ restore-covid-19/ and filling out the form. If you would like to volunteer when we reopen please email your inquires to volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org.
Make a donation today! Please consider a contribution to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Your donation will assist families in our community!
Name Address
City, State
Look for my pledge online at pensacolahabitat.org/donate Enclosed is my donation of $
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Zip
Please mail this slip Pensacola Habitat for Humanity 300 W Leonard St along with your Pensacola, FL 32501 donation to:
P.O. Box 13204 • Pensacola, FL 32591-3204 Main Office 850-434-5456 Pensacola ReStore 850-476-0001
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #554 Pensacola, FL
linkedin.com/company/pensacola-habitat-for-humanity facebook.com/pensacolahabitat facebook.com/pensacolarestore @pcolahabitat
In Response to COVID-19 At Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, we have always believed working together is the only way to truly strengthen our community. In the midst of this pandemic, we will continue to work with you to help ensure that our community remains strong. At Pensacola Habitat, we are practicing physical distancing. While this is challenging, we aim to continue to pursue our mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. We strive to make this possible by creating human interactions and connections with our community in any way possible. In this hard time, we challenge you to give to those in need and build each other up.
Sign-up to receive the electronic version of HabiChat at pensacolahabitat.org To request removal from the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity mailing list, emailinfo@pensacolahabitat.org or call 850-434-5456 We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or sources of income.
