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Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity
One house is under construction in Roanoke in partnership with the Blue Ridge Chapter of Thrivent Financial, Lutheran Cooperative Ministries (LuCom) and area Lutheran churches. The build is a continuation of a long-standing relationship between HFHRV and the area's Lutheran churches and organizations. J.D. Seneff, the project's Chapter Specialist, has been involved in Lutheran builds since the late 1980s. "It has been gratifying to see what we have accomplished. I can't say enough about everyone involved, from the homeowner, volunteers and Habitat staff!" Ron Leiser, a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Financial Associate based in Roanoke, reflects on the partnership, "Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity are bringing the realities of poverty housing - and a solution - to cities across the country. Thrivent Financial is good at financial security and Habitat is good at building houses. It is interesting to see people of all walks of life, some of whom have never volunteered before, join together to help a stranger get started in financial well-being through home ownership. Working side by side with a new owner of a Thrivent Builds home, and seeing the expression of pride on the face of the new owner, is especially heart warming." The volunteers rave about the delicious food provided by local Lutherans. "Providing food to the construction volunteers has been great--everyone's so excited to participate that it's become quite a contest as to who can bring the most delicious menu, "quips Jim McCarthy, Volunteer Coordinator for the Thrivent Builds program. He often remarks that the atmosphere on the work-site is great due to the positive and upbeat attitude of all the volunteers. The house, located on Staunton Avenue, is a flurry of activity as the volunteers work alongside the future homeowner, Michele Williams. She is a Roanoke native and single mother who has risen from public assistance and a series of short-term jobs--nursing home aide, fast-food server, part-time production line worker--to her present satisfying position as Sales Associate at Sam's Warehouse where she enjoys contact with the public and receives good pay and benefits. Along with her children Katara and Trent, she is eager to own her own home, and faithfully works in constructing the new house each Wednesday, her day off from Sam's. Michele's good humor, willingness to help where needed, and easy-going spirit have made her a favorite of the regular volunteers on the site. She is grateful for the chance to realize her long-sought dream of homeownership.
Roanoke College Students Build House on Campus
R House was the first Habitat for Humanity home built as part of a freshmen orientation. It was built on a parking lot at the corner of College Avenue and E. Clay Street by the students, faculty and staff. "The whole notion of orientation is welcoming people into a community," said Jesse Griffin, Director of Community Service, "and having a project that allows everyone to work toward one goal creates a sense of community." For 20 years, Roanoke College students have been building houses for Habitat for Humanity, starting in Columbia, S.C. and later in the Roanoke Valley. R House would not have been possible without the generous donation of Paul and Martha Higginbotham and a partnership among Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke Valley, the Habitat Chapter at Roanoke College, Corrugated Container Corporation, Roanoke College and Central South Carolina Habitat. The future homeowner, Demetria Grogan, was "all smiles" as she participated in the building and watched her new home rise. Demetria, once a Roanoke College student herself, has been an insurance processor at Allstate for nearly three years. She and her 4-year-old son Dashaun love having their own space and visiting with their many relatives living nearby. A Homeowner's Story, By Clara Crowder
Hello, my My first job after high school was at Burger King where I worked as a cashier. I have two beautiful children, Shakia, 14, and Terrill, 16. They are both "outdoor" people and like to do sports and yard work. Since Burger King, I have furthered my career at Carilion Hospice. There I am a Nursing Assistant, and my duties are to care for people who have 6 months or less to live, keeping their pain under control and doing wound care--anything to keep the patients comfortable during their dying process. I am able to do this job well because I have a caring heart and I like to work with people, particularly older people. I don't have much free time, but when I do, I enjoy spending "quality time" with the children. We do things such as movies, having lunches, bowling or visits with friends. In addition, I've gotten custody of my goddaughter Sonja, who is 7. Living with us will give her the opportunity to have a mom that she never had and be in a loving family. We look forward to having a place of our own to call home. Where we live now isn't safe, and I don't like raising my family in a place that's not healthy. Since enrolling with Habitat, I've worked on the sites and attended classes to learn about budgeting, home repair, insurance and other things that will enable me to make my home the nicest home in the neighborhood!
The Dolue Family and the Aspen Street Renovation Sponsored by The Allstate Foundation
Tailey's vibrant and energetic family is the enthusiastic recipient of Habitat's first renovation project, the addition of a bedroom and bath to an existing 4-bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home. Early on in the Habitat application process, a staff member warned Tailey that partnering with Habitat would be hard. With bright eyes and an energetic smile, he replied, "That's what I want! You have to work hard if you want to live in a good place." Community Partnership by Melanie Parr, Superintendent, Appalachian Detention Center The Appalachian Detention Center has had a very successful partnership with HFHRV since March 2006. Our offenders work on-site at the facility pre-fabricating sheds and constructing wall panels under the supervision of skilled staff who can read blueprints. Due to our success and previous participation in the construction of four Habitat homes in our local community, we are hopeful that our partnership will expand to honor our commitment with HFHI to build ten houses through the Home-in-a-Box program for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The opportunity to help those in need gives our offenders a sense of pride and a positive attitude. Our partnership with Habitat is a worthwhile endeavor for all involved; we look forward to continuing this positive and cooperative work effort to the benefit of all. Celebrating the Builders Club Theresa Buchanan's three bedroom home on Rugby Boulevard is being built in honor of our dedicated Builders Club members, who give their time and talents each Wednesday and Saturday. This home is sponsored by the estate of Barbara Martin (former Builders Club member), Cosmetic Vein Centers of Virginia, Blue Stone Block Supermarket, Dixon Hubard & Feinour, Inc., The Cartledge Foundation/Grand Home Furnishings, The Roanoke Times, The Francis Chapin Foundation and Roanoke County.
Roanoke-born, raised, and educated, this energetic single parent has been a knitting operator at Fred Whitaker Company for six years. Her job involves working with bobbins and yarn, and is the first step in a dying and weaving process that produces carpet samples so that customers and distributors can look at the colors and textures to see if they want to order them. Since both of her parents are employed there, Theresa knew it was a good place and she says she can't imagine working anywhere else. Theresa is eagerly awaiting the completion of her new home. "Right now I live with my parents and they've done a lot for me. I know my mother and father will miss us, and we will miss them, but it's time to move on and take care of myself and my daughters. It's going to be a great thing to be on my own!" WSLS Newschannel 10 and Habitat team up for FUNdraiser Halloween Happening for Habitat Saturday, October 27
Save the Date! Date: Saturday, October 27, 2007 Time: 7:00 until 11:00 PM Attire: Costumes encouraged--even if only a mask! Fabulous prizes will be awarded. Entertainment: MonkeyFuzz--Roanoke's quintessential party band. Fare: Featuring a variety of delectable delights by Schaal's Catering and a cash bar.
Our Habitat Homes Need a Home! Helping a Family Begins with Land. In 2006 alone, we investigated over 30 lots in the Roanoke Valley. Most involve overwhelming challenges such as expense, title problems, zoning and neighborhood issues. Only a few of these are appropriate for Habitat homes and then not until a lot of time, money, and labor has been invested. Help us reach out to others by considering a gift of land. Please call Jean Darby at (540) 344-0747.
Bike for Habitat
The Barkett-Allen Capital
Downtown 50 September 29th in downtown Fincastle. "I can't think of a better partner than Habitat for Humanity to help me exemplify what giving back means to us here at Barkett Allen Capital," affirmed Erryn M. Barkett, President of Barkett Allen Capital. "This race is not about publicizing my firm's new offices in Fincastle. It is not about putting another racing event on the calendar of bike enthusiasts. This race is just one way in which I plan to give back to the community that means so much to me and my firm. It's exciting to be involved in local sporting events. It brings even more excitement to us to know that this event will give back to the community at the same time."
SKILL CENTER--Training for Success What could be more rewarding than volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity house? Volunteering to build a new Skill Training Center for Habitat, of course.
"Upon my first visit to the third floor, I knew that the Skill Center would become a valuable tool to Habitat," Karen remembers. "The dream was not only to teach future Habitat homeowners the basic repairs necessary to maintain their homes, but also a way to teach volunteers the basics of home construction before they would even set foot on a Habitat build site." Skills honed from past Habitat experience, willingness to learn as they worked, can-do attitudes, advice from Karen's husband Brad (also in construction) and an eagerness to bring their project to completion enabled the work crew to endure near 100 degree workdays as they worked through the hottest days of the summer on a four-month project that stretched to twice the time projected. Completed in October 2006, the center was immediately a highlight of National Association of Women in Construction's annual celebration. It complements Habitat's homeowner and volunteer training by offering both classes and hands-on practice in the tasks necessary for successful building and maintenance. Ten training stations cover all stages of construction. Participants can learn how to read blueprints, identify and use power tools, attach siding, unclog drains, repair holes in wallboard or replace roof shingles. An "electricity wall" demonstrates how houses are wired, provides practice in resetting breakers and allows for up-close inspection of the type of smoke alarms new families will find in their homes. Classes are required of all new homeowner families, who understand that they will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of their new homes. A well-maintained house is not only a more valuable house but a neighborhood asset. In addition, the center provides experiential opportunities for groups before volunteering with Habitat and is available to other housing providers in the valley as they guide their own clients toward responsible homeownership. Funding for the Skill Center was generously provided by the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley.
Family Snapshots The Witts, who like movies, skating and swimming, are looking forward to Habitat homeownership in part so that they don't have to deal with rising rent each year. Walter, 8, a third-grader at Oakland, completes the family who will live on Chatham Street. Sponsors for this build are Cave Spring United Methodist Church and Second Presbyterian Church.
Always soft-spoken, Vanessa applied for Habitat housing to provide a safe place for the family to live. Vanessa's new home will be on Barberry Avenue.
As they did last year, Roanoke College will provide sponsorship funds, frame the house on campus and move the house to Alfredia's lot on Hershberger Road.
A Volunteer's Story, By Tony Clifford
And I've been grateful to get to know Habitat families on the work site, and understand just how much having a home will mean to them. You can safely say that working with Habitat has been a life changing experience for me! For health reasons, I haven't been able to work with Habitat since September 2006, but I continue to visit the work site, and am met with the same genuine fellowship I enjoyed when I was able to help out regularly. I'm grateful for the skills I've learned, the chance to help families in need, and for the hope, fellowship, and friendship that Habitat has given me over the years. Who is This Man Called Tony Clifford?, By Greeley Wyatt I met Tony on Miami Street in 1991 when we were volunteering at the first Lutheran-built house. Although there were many willing volunteers, none had any carpentry skills, [and the Builders Club had not yet been organized], so Tony stepped forward, and, studying construction manuals at night and practicing on-site on Habitat workdays, gradually became known as a competent leader. Having now worked on more than 100 houses, he is Habitat's undisputed vinyl siding expert, and excels at hanging kitchen cabinets. Tony's background in chemical engineering and paint manufacturing makes him the go-to man for painting selection and technique questions; and a course on ceramic tile installation came in handy for the few homes in which that type flooring was required. Fellow volunteers would say that there’s nothing he can't do! But Tony's contributions reach far beyond Habitat. He regularly responds to neighbors who need ramps or other disability-related improvements; participated in flood and hurricane relief work in West Virginia, Florida and Georgia; organized and led work crews in neighborhood revitalization through Christmas in April [Rebuilding Together] and other community initiatives, and renovated and painted the West End Center through a project funded by the Lutheran Brotherhood. So I say "hats off" to a special man who has given many years in retirement to helping others, and has been an inspiration to all of us!
DONATE your VEHICLETo help build a home Call 1-877-277-4344 or visit www.carsforhomes.org
Buy a Bargain, Build a Home - everything from furniture to the kitchen sink!
 An
autographed Garth Brooks photograph--a Hammond organ--a luxurious sofa--matching
brass floor lamps--rolls of wallpaper--even a curio cabinet to showcase your
collectibles or sentimental pretties. These are among the items for sale at
the Habitat Store's recently expanded second floor. They're a far cry from the
tubs and hinges on the floor below, and all are available to the general
public at the Habitat Store's usual 30-70% discount.
Now, with the addition of the second-floor space, our energetic and knowledgeable staff can guide you to just the right desk or file cabinets for your home office, picture frames waiting for a new coat of paint, a recliner for your basement den or a dorm-room-size TV for your departing student.
Through the generosity of several national businesses as well as local
individuals, inventory is high. The Habitat Store's supply of new a Either way, you're sure to be pleased and satisfied knowing that your donations and purchases will help build housing and hope for local families in need. Remember Kenney Burgers?
MEET OUR STORE STAFF by
Brent Talmadge, Store Manager Sometimes life is so fast paced we hardly have time to stop and find out "a little bit" about someone else's life. This is especially true at The Habitat Store. Our store staff works diligently to provide the best customer service possible, sometimes at a non-stop pace. This is our chance to slow down the pace and allow you to get to know "a little bit" about the staff at The Habitat Store. Bobby Hadley is our Assistant Manager who was born and raised in Burlington, North Carolina. While in North Carolina, Bobby worked in the Agricultural and Auto Repair Services fields. Bobby moved to Roanoke in 1988. He is married with 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Bobby has been with The Habitat Store for 3 years. John Chambers is also an Assistant Manager and was a Warehouse Manager with a local retailer
before coming to Habitat. John grew up in Roanoke and attended Pat Athens is The Habitat Store's Head Cashier. Pat grew up in Richmond, VA. and attended Ferrum College. She and her late husband founded the Metropolitan Richmond Doberman Pincher Club. In 1979, Pat moved to Roanoke to be closer to family. Pat came to The Habitat Store by way of TAP after successfully graduating from their AdultBuild program. She is still active with TAP and is a member of their Board of Directors. In her free time, Pat enjoys gardening, cooking, and music. Pat has been with The Habitat Store for 1 year and 9 months. Rob Adcox works in Customer Service at The Habitat Store. Rob was born in Detroit, MI but raised in Roanoke. After high school, Rob received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Rob also spent many years in Rochester, MN before returning to Roanoke. Rob loves cars, any kind of animal (especially dogs) and last but not least, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rob has been with The Habitat Store for almost 1 year. Michael Earl works in Customer Service at The Habitat Store. Mike was born and raised in Norfolk, VA. He moved to Roanoke in 1998 to be closer to his sister, 2 nephews and niece who live in the Star City. Soon after moving to Roanoke, Mike began working for Halmode, which lasted 5 years before the plant closed. Mike then began working for Labor Ready before being hired at the store. Mike has a 4 year old daughter he loves dearly. His other love is the Washington Redskins! Mike has worked for The Habitat Store for almost a year. Gary Anderson is The Habitat Store's Donations Coordinator. Born and raised in Roanoke. Gary also lived in Norfolk where he graduated from Old Dominion University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree. Gary is single and has 4 cats. While not at work, Gary enjoys working on cars and even has his pilot's license. Gary's been with The Habitat Store for 5 months. James Collins works in Customer Service at The Habitat Store. James moved to Roanoke in 1988 from Tennessee and comes to us with a construction, furniture, and restaurant background. James's son Nathan also works and volunteers for the store and Habitat construction sites. James and his fiancé, Sabrina, will get married later this year. James has been with The Habitat Store for 5 months. Susan Otis is The Habitat Store's Customer Service Representative in the Home Furnishings Department. Susan was born in Vermont , raised in New Hampshire and moved to Roanoke 6 months ago. She has a daughter who lives in New Zealand with her 5 children. Susan also has 3 great-grandchildren. Susan has been with The Habitat Store for 3 months. Recycle Your Cans and Build a House!
The recycle bin is located on The Habitat Store parking lot.
Habi-Facts… Habitat families buy their homes with no-interest, no-profit mortgages. Habitat doesn't give away homes. Families invest 250+ "sweat-equity" hours in the construction of Habitat homes. ROANOKE CITY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT HABITAT
Roanoke City Sheriff's Office Deputy Donna St.Clair who supervises a female Work Crew stated, "Ms. Mason and other employees and volunteers at Habitat treat the Work Crew with respect and honor. They withhold judgment, regarding each inmate as an individual. A great benefit to the inmates is the knowledge and awareness of the Habitat program and the services it provides to the community. Some are services that they may take advantage of upon their return to society. Working at Habitat for Humanity has also exposed them to the spirit of volunteerism. A few have expressed a desire to make volunteering a part of their future lifestyle." Roanoke City Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate work program in the City Jail. It includes daily maintenance of the jail and community service. Participants in the program are carefully screened by Classification to ensure the safety of the community. The fundamental value of the Inmate Work Crew program is the opportunity it provides for the development and revival of skills and work habits instrumental in the inmate's successful occupational adjustment in the community. It is an opportunity to receive a form of vocational training which may provide the inmate with the necessary skills to obtain similar jobs upon reentry into society. The Inmate Work Crews program provides a vital service to the City of Roanoke saving hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars. It also enables non-profits to better utilize their work force and funds. A
Special Welcome to New Board Members
You
Will Be Missed A special thanks to board and staff members for their hard work and service to Habitat.
JOIN APOSTLES BUILD 2008 by John Blanton, Board member
The Apostles Build program invites churches of different denominations and backgrounds to work together on a single home. In addition to their diversity, the churches participating in an Apostles Build provide food, funds and labor, as able, in a group effort. The model for the Apostles Build is Jesus' twelve disciples, who came from different backgrounds. The Apostles Build concept invites different churches to work side-by-side, swinging hammers and hanging siding. Despite different ways of worship, the Apostles Build brings these churches together to exercise the most important command Jesus gave, to love one another, in this case, by providing a home to one of our neighbors in need. Habitat hopes that
churches participating in the 2008 Apostles Build can: (1) commi Our plan is to build at least two homes during our 2008 Apostles Build project, which will require at least $100,000 in total commitments from the participating churches (today, Habitat needs $50,000 to fund construction of each home). In the past, some churches have committed budgetary monies from two years, e.g. 2007 and 2008, to support a build (this allows churches to give more to a single build without hurting their pocketbooks as much as a single, larger commitment). We hope to commence the 2008 Apostles Build in the spring of 2008 and we hope your church will be on site with us when we do! Please call Betsy Whitney at 344-0747 for more information. Apostles Build 2006/2007 Thanks to all of the churches who joined in Apostles Build 2006/07.
Meet Our Construction Staff
An avid outdoorsman, Brian enjoys kayaking, hiking and biking. After high school, he spent six months hiking the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia. Dennis Hoover, Project Manager for Habitat, grew up in Highland County helping his father with his construction business. He later joined the Navy and worked as a Seabee in the Construction Battalion. Upon his return to civilian life, he honed his construction skills as an employee of The Homestead Resort and in his own home repair and remodeling business. In his spare time, Dennis often returns to Highland County to work on his family's farm and to continue his favorite hobby of cabinet-making. Steven Hammond, Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat, grew up in Covington, VA participating in volunteer activities through Boy Scouts and his church youth group. His love of service grew even stronger during his four years at Roanoke College, where he participated in Fall and Spring Break Habitat for Humanity trips. He joined AmeriCorps in 2005 and served at a homeless shelter in Colorado for 18 months, where he worked in maintenance and volunteer coordination. His work with volunteers in Colorado and Virginia and his background in construction work helped prepare him for the job of Volunteer Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley. Fishing is Steven's main hobby, but he enjoys anything to do with the outdoors. Before starting at Habitat Roanoke, he spent six weeks in the country of Jordan working with Habitat for Humanity International. DIRECTOR'S CORNER by Karen Mason, Executive Director
Sadly, we routinely receive numerous calls, emails, letters and visits from people just like Ken. While the circumstances may differ, each has a desire to leave inadequate living conditions and is unable to secure adequate housing by conventional means. Since 1986, your support has enabled 146 families, including Ken and his two children, to realize the dream of homeownership. Our goal this year is to build or renovate homes for eleven qualified families. Your gift will help give a hand up to these families so they may become all that God intends them to be. In His word, God declared, "For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). As His followers, we are to put our faith into action by helping our brothers and sisters in need. Your tax-deductible donation will help a low-income family like Ken's to have hope and a future. Thank you in advance for your support and may God bless you.
Congratulations Staff! Betsy Whitney was promoted to Deputy Director. Brian Clark and Dennis Hoover, Project Managers, both received their Class A license in April 2007. Habitat receives the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The Torch award was established to recognize businesses and non-profit organizations that demonstrate ethical business practices; exemplify outstanding customer service relations; embody truth in advertising; and help foster ethics within their industry and community. We are proud to be recognized for our work by such an exemplary organization as the Better Business Bureau. Board of Directors and Staff Randall
Lundy, President In-Kind Sponsors FOR EACH HOME
Wishes and Needs OUR CONSTRUCTION VOLUNTEERS NEED:
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: lots or tracts of land for future development Our Habitat Store Needs:
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That's what long-time Womens Build volunteer
Karen Archer thought as she and her band of intrepid, mostly female
volunteers transformed a portion of Habitat's cavernous third-floor warehouse
space into a first-class educational center for building and home repair.
Brian
Clark,
Not too
long ago, Ken (not his real name), a father of two young children, left me a
telephone message pleading for help. With a quivering voice, he stated
his lack of financial resources and described the deplorable living conditions
in which he and his children were living. He had heard about our program
and understood, if approved, he would purchase the home with an interest-free
mortgage. Alternately expressing a passionate desire for a decent place
in which to raise his children and sharing excitement about the possibility of
building his own home with volunteers, Ken repeated his plea for help. 