HabiChat Volume 41, Issue 3 Volunteer Appreciation
pensacolahabitat.org
Honoring Our Volunteers Board of Directors Gene Franklin Chair Dawn Brazwell Vice Chair Mike King Treasurer Dick Baker Secretary Michele DuMond Darnell Sims Frank Smith
Volunteerism is at the core of the Habitat mission. It reinforces our brand, connects us to the community, drives resources to the Affiliate and brings efficiencies to our builds. April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and I want to express my deep appreciation for the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Volunteers. In 2021, we had over 500 individuals volunteer their time to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity providing us with over 15,000 hours of support. Banging nails and building homes with our construction crews; working with our Community Development team revitalizing neighborhoods, building wheelchair ramps, and completing critical home repairs; stocking and selling product at our ReStore; providing critical administration support at the office; or serving on our Board and committees, these volunteers have helped us make affordable housing a reality.
Our volunteers impact every part of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and without them we would be unable to complete our critical mission. We are excited about the opportunities that stretch before us and for continuing to partner with our incredible volunteers in the months and years ahead!
Mike Stahl Rabbi Joel Fleekop Siobhan Gallagher Mike Lanwehr
Sam Young President/CEO
Matt Newcomer Dr. Charles Reese Betty Salter Josh Womack Sam Young
President/ Chief Executive Officer
NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is the only Habitat for Humanity International affiliate that is a charter member of NeighborWorks America. 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
Presidential Volunteer Awards Luncheon In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America. Volunteers play an essential role in what makes our mission possible! On Tuesday, January 11th, we were Bob Young and Meghan Laughlin were two of the eight honored to recognize local indivolunteers who received the Presidential Volunteer viduals at our Presidential Awards Award Luncheon for their service to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and our community. Eight volunteers received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for volunteering over 100 hours this fiscal year and 14 volunteers were acknowledged for their outstanding volunteer service hours for volunteering 50 to 99 hours this fiscal year. Thank you again for your hard work!!
2
HabiChat Volunteer Appreciation 2022
Why Volunteer?
by Patrick Murray, Pensacola Habitat Volunteer
How did you hear about Pensacola Habitat? I have lived in the Pensacola/Gulf Breeze area since 1977, so I have heard about Pensacola Habitat and it’s activities since the 1980’s. How long have you been a volunteer for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity? I began volunteering with Pensacola Habitat in June 2020 when the organization began allowing volunteers to return after a Covid-19 related pause. What was the first Pensacola Habitat for Humanity project you volunteered for? The first Pensacola Habitat project I volunteered for was framing a home. Why volunteer for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity? I wanted to do some volunteer work that: • Was outdoors with sunlight (I spent 40 years in usually windowless exam rooms with fluorescent lighting) • I could see the results of the work by the end of the day (a rarity in medical practice) • I couldn’t take the work home. What is your favorite way to volunteer with Pensacola Habitat? I have mainly volunteered on home site construction though I have also helped with some community development projects.
Pat Murray with Sam Young, President & CEO of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
What has been the most memorable moment while volunteering for Pensacola Habitat? My most memorable moments while volunteering are meeting the future homeowners at a job site and hearing their dreams of how having a home they own will change the family’s life. What would you say to other members of the community that might be thinking of volunteering for Pensacola Habitat? I can only speak about volunteering for construction. It is hard work, but you can see your accomplishments at the end of the day. What do you enjoy most about volunteering for Pensacola Habitat? I enjoy working with the Pensacola Habitat construction department personnel and consider it a bonus when I get to meet the future owner of the home we are working on.
Volunteer Today! Visit pensacolahabitat.org/volunteer to learn more about how you can volunteer with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity!
4
pensacolarestore.com
Collegiate Challenge
HabiChat Volunteer Appreciation 2022
by Courtney Araszkiewicz, Communications Associate Students from Auburn University, University Each college also donates funds toward the of Virginia, University of Connecticut, and St. building supplies and materials needed to Thomas Aquinas (at Purdue), traded in their build the new home, making up most of the Spring Break last month to volunteer during funds raised. Hillcrest Church on Nine Mile Pensacola Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge. Rd. and Gadsden Street United Methodist Church sponsored Pensacola Habitat’s Pensacola Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge Collegiate Challenge this year by housing program provides alternative school break the students. Several restaurants, including volunteer opportunities to college students across the US. 45 students took part in Moe’s Southwest Grill at Cordova Mall, East building six affordable homes for local Hill Pizza, and New Yorker Deli & Pizzeria, individuals or families in our community sponsored lunches for our volunteers. while focusing on Pensacola Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, community, and hope.
“The Habitat for Humanity club at the University of Virginia (HUVA) coordinates volunteer opportunities for UVA students through local Habitat chapters. We regularly participate in build days and ReStore volunteer shifts with the Charlottesville chapter of Habitat, but we wanted to get outside of our local bubble for a bit over spring break. HUVA has taken trips in the past, but never to Pensacola. We’re excited to be here!,” stated Lena Keesecker, Habitat for Humanity Club at UVA, Volunteer Coordinator.
Students from University of Virginia
“We are thrilled to have these students out here supporting our mission to build beautiful AND affordable homes in our community! I think this project will have a huge positive impact in this area. We rely on support from our community, and dedicated volunteers like these are what make it possible for Pensacola Habitat to continue to combat our local affordable housing crisis,” stated Crystal Scott, Pensacola Habitat’s VP of Development and Communications.
Students from University of Connecticut
Students from St. Thomas Aquinas
AmeriCorps Volunteering by Kristin O’Bryan, Communications Manager At Pensacola Habitat, our AmeriCorps members play an essential role in helping us build homes, communities, and hope. This year we have been blessed with four outstanding AmeriCorps members who have played vital roles in supporting critical programs within our organization.
Mark recently joined our Family Services team as the AmeriCorps Home Buyer Services Coordinator. Mark assists applicants with applying for our Home Buyer Program. His excellent customer service helps ensure those who apply for our program have a wonderful experience.
Jarvis was the first AmeriCorps member to join our team this year as an AmeriCorps Crew Leader. He plays an important role in our construction team by working with Home Buyers and volunteers on the construction site and Community Development projects.
To learn more about our open AmeriCorps positions, visit pensacolahabitat.org/jobs.
Volunteers play a vital role in the mission of Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. Whether individually or as a group, there are many ways to volunteer with Pensacola Habitat, including construction, Community Development, ReStore, and more! For more information about how you can volunteer with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, visit pensacolahabitat.org/volunteer.
Pensacola Habitat AmeriCorps Members Jarvis White, Mark White, Kira Rivers, and Allie Donahue
5
Students from Auburn University
Kira is our newest AmeriCorps member serving as our AmeriCorps Homeowner Education and Services Coordinator. This position is a new position that Kira has already taken by storm. Kira focuses on enhancing services for homeowners after they have closed on their home built by Pensacola Habitat. Allie was the second AmeriCorps member to join our team this year as the AmeriCorps Community Development Coordinator. Allie focuses on supporting our Community Development Program both in the field and in the office. She helps with our many projects and assists applicants applying for one of the programs we offer through community development. All of our AmeriCorps members play a huge part in ensuring we can continue our mission in both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
6th Annual Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival by Quinn Luehring, Development Specialist Pensacola Habitat for Humanity hosted it’s 6th Annual Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival on April 8-10, 2022, at Seville Square in downtown Pensacola. With feedback throughout the years, we learned that Pensacolians LOVE food trucks – so we made it three days this year instead of two! It was estimated that 14,000 community members attended the event throughout the weekend, 75 volunteers, and 31 local and regional food trucks! The gorgeous Spring weather made for a beautiful weekend to gather, dance, and eat with friends and family while supporting Pensacola Habitat’s mission. Children and kids at heart ran around the park sporting their pink and white Pensacola Habitat construction hardhats that they were gifted at the gate, watched performances from a dog trainer (Happy Hound Dog Obedience) and a magician (Al Grimm). Their parents and other attendees witnessed live performances throughout the weekend by Sandy Roots, Goldmine, T-Bird and the Fat Cats, Gulf Coasters, Classic June, Boudin Boyz, Vinyl Revival, Hired Guns, UltraViolet, and more! Music, laughter, and delicious smells certainly filled the air that weekend! Congratulations to the winners of the Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival Tasting Competition on Saturday morning of the festival! Copper Grille won Best Appetizer with their Firecracker Shrimp Lettuce Tacos, Joe’s Caribe won Best Entrée with their Tri-Fongo Ceviche Cup, and Greek Gals Yummies won Best Dessert with their Homemade Greek Baklava. La Chama Venez won the People’s Choice Award Competition, where attendees could vote for their favorite food truck.
The Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival would not have been possible without the following loyal sponsors: ADX Digital and Cat Country, Anchor Pest Control, Bay Area Printing, Blab TV, City of Pensacola, Clark Partington, Clear Title, Cox, Event Productions, Gulf Coast Panorama, Home Builders Association, Installed Building Products, Just Ask Randy, Keep Pensacola Beautiful, LAS Fencing, Marketing Bar, Pensacola Habitat ReStore, Millie’s Garden Boutique, Morgan Law Group, Swift Supply, T-Mobile, Visit Pensacola, Vista Event Productions, Channel 3 Cares, and Xtreme Plumbing. The Pensacola Habitat for Humanity staff and event committee would like to thank everyone who attended the festival, invited family and friends, and supported our mission. You all allow Pensacola Habitat to expand its mission and serve more families and individuals! We’ll see you at next year’s festival! For more information about how you can get involved with next year’s Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival, visit pensacolahabitatfoodtruckfest.org or email info@pensacolahabitat.org.
Interested in sponsoring an event?? Email info@pensacolahabitat.org 6
Thank you to Joseph Seurkamp from The Graffiti Bridge for the amazing artwork!
HabiChat Volunteer Appreciation 2022
Making a Difference, One Block at a Time by Zahra Pervaiz, Community Development Associate The Community Development team at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity provides critical home repairs to those in need, enables people to age safely in their homes, and works to revitalize neighborhoods and empower residents. While Community Development doesn’t build homes, we do build communities and hope. Rock the Block is just one of the many ways we work to do this. Rock the Block is a neighborhood revitalization event where residential community volunteers and Pensacola Habitat staff work together to complete beautification projects with homeowners of a specific neighborhood or block by performing yard cleanups, landscaping, minor repairs, and more! On April 2nd, from 9 am to 3 pm, 25 volunteers devoted their time to help our team complete seven beautification projects in the Englewood neighborhood.
With dirt on our hands and smiles on our faces, our volunteers and staff managed to complete projects that improved both the exterior look of homes and the neighborhood. We improved the quality of life of residents who may not have been able to complete projects like these on their own. Interested in Rocking the Block with us in the future? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Community Development team if you would like to volunteer or believe your neighborhood deserves a little extra love with help from Pensacola Habitat for Humanity!
Other Ways to Volunteer with Community Development: Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s Community Development Program works to preserve homeownership for local residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. The Community Development Program offers assistance programs for critical home repairs and other services that enhance quality of life. In addition, this program focuses on engaging and empowering residents to revive their neighborhoods and become leaders within their communities, contributing to the sustainability of these revitalization efforts. Wheelchair Ramp Program Critical Home Repair Program Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program We are always looking for volunteers and accepting donations! Email volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org to sign up to volunteer with Pensacola Habitat. Visit pensacolahabitat.org/communitydevelopment to learn more about each project, eligibility, and how to apply.
Make an impact in your community today!
Join our Square Foot Club! Your contribution, no matter the level, makes affordable housing possible for individuals and families in our local community. Join online or via check payment. Sign up via check payment:
Sign up online online at pensacolahabitat.org/square-foot-club
Annual gift preferred via check payment.
Cornerstone Builder: $7 Monthly / $84 Annually Please make checks payable to: Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Foundation Builder: $20 Monthly / $240 Annually Attn. Square Foot Club Keystone Builder: $50 Monthly / $600 Annually 300 W. Leonard St. Homestead Builder: $80 Monthly /$960 Annually Pensacola, FL 32501 Legacy Builder: $120 Monthly / $1,440 Annually Name ________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________ Or Enter a Custom Amount! City, State ______________________
7
Zip ________________
HabiChat Volunteer Appreciation 2022
P.O. Box 13204 • Pensacola, FL 32591-3204 Main Office 850-434-5456 Pensacola Habitat for Humanity ReStore 850-476-0001
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #554 Pensacola, FL
linkedin.com/company/pensacola-habitat-for-humanity facebook.com/pensacolahabitatforhumanityrestore facebook.com/pensacolahabitatrestore @pcolahabitat
Food Truck AD Sign-up to receive the electronic version of HabiChat at pensacolahabitat.org/habichat To request removal from the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity mailing list, email info@pensacolahabitat.org or call 850-434-5456 ext. 121 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.