August 2021 Newsletter: Summer at Columbia County Habitat
8/18/2021
A look back on what we were up to at Habitat this summer, and a look ahead at what’s to come
Dear Friends,
As the summer of 2021 unfolds and fall approaches, many aspects of our operations are getting back up to speed. We do not know what “normal” will be yet, so we are avoiding using that term.
We have welcomed volunteers back to the ReStore and in our administrative offices. Construction work continues to be mostly in hibernation, as we work on closing the sales of our existing homes before we break new ground. What a joyous occasion it will be when we have a full crew of volunteers working alongside our construction crew to build a new home.
The lack of housing suitable for working families – the backbone of our communities – is another epidemic among us. It threatens to undermine the economic progress needed for our communities to thrive.
The need for affordable housing has never been as critical as it is now. Housing affordability is an economic, as well as social issue. If safe, affordable housing is scarce or unattainable, the businesses and institutions that serve our community cannot attract employees, creating a vicious cycle of economic distress. This impacts local businesses, large and small, across education, manufacturing, service, healthcare, non-profit sectors and other critical industries.
We are moving forward. If you’d like to help, please connect with me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Al Bellenchia, Executive Director
A Night to Remember
As the first in-person event we have hosted since the start of COVID, our Art Gallery & Silent Auction, held on July 23, was as much a celebration as it was a fundraiser. Featuring the artwork of local artist Dorothea Masterson, which had been generously donated by her family following her death in 2020, the auction offered guests an opportunity to mingle with their neighbors, enjoy some tasty refreshments, and bid on dozens of exquisite paintings and photographs. The ReStore was also open for late-night shopping, giving guests an opportunity to see all that we have to offer.
Thanks to you, we were able to raise a total of $2,000! All proceeds go towards Habitat and our mission to bring affordable housing to more working families in Columbia County. Your contributions have helped us in this endeavor as we look forward to building more homes for neighbors in need.
And don’t worry if you were unable to attend the auction—we still have plenty of artwork left for sale, both by Dorothea and other talented artists.
Every Little Bit Counts
“Here at the ReStore, we like to say that we’re in the donation business because everything we do, from providing great deals to building new homes, starts with donations.” ~ Will Stegemann, ReStore Manager
Habitat is kept afloat by the generous donations we receive from the members of our community. Donations help us build more homes, pay our employees, and carry out the many projects we do to assist people in need. Whether it’s $5 or $100, every dollar donated goes towards supporting an organization that is aimed exclusively at improving our communities in Columbia County. Click here to donate.
Visit Us Online!
One of the best ways to stay up-to-date about what’s going on at Columbia County Habitat is by following our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. There you’ll find information about upcoming events, ReStore sales, opportunities at Habitat, and so much more!
If you would like to join our mailing list to receive future digital newsletters, head over to our newsletters page to sign up. It’s quick, simple, and completely free of charge!
A look back on what we were up to at Habitat this summer, and a look ahead at what’s to come
Dear Friends,
As the summer of 2021 unfolds and fall approaches, many aspects of our operations are getting back up to speed. We do not know what “normal” will be yet, so we are avoiding using that term.
We have welcomed volunteers back to the ReStore and in our administrative offices. Construction work continues to be mostly in hibernation, as we work on closing the sales of our existing homes before we break new ground. What a joyous occasion it will be when we have a full crew of volunteers working alongside our construction crew to build a new home.
The lack of housing suitable for working families – the backbone of our communities – is another epidemic among us. It threatens to undermine the economic progress needed for our communities to thrive.
The need for affordable housing has never been as critical as it is now. Housing affordability is an economic, as well as social issue. If safe, affordable housing is scarce or unattainable, the businesses and institutions that serve our community cannot attract employees, creating a vicious cycle of economic distress. This impacts local businesses, large and small, across education, manufacturing, service, healthcare, non-profit sectors and other critical industries.
- Safe, affordable housing creates stability in a workforce
- Safe, affordable housing leads to better economic and health outcomes
- Homeownership builds community stability and a path out of poverty; it leads to better educational performance, lower levels of crime, and greater civic engagement.
We are moving forward. If you’d like to help, please connect with me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Al Bellenchia, Executive Director
A Night to Remember
As the first in-person event we have hosted since the start of COVID, our Art Gallery & Silent Auction, held on July 23, was as much a celebration as it was a fundraiser. Featuring the artwork of local artist Dorothea Masterson, which had been generously donated by her family following her death in 2020, the auction offered guests an opportunity to mingle with their neighbors, enjoy some tasty refreshments, and bid on dozens of exquisite paintings and photographs. The ReStore was also open for late-night shopping, giving guests an opportunity to see all that we have to offer.
Thanks to you, we were able to raise a total of $2,000! All proceeds go towards Habitat and our mission to bring affordable housing to more working families in Columbia County. Your contributions have helped us in this endeavor as we look forward to building more homes for neighbors in need.
And don’t worry if you were unable to attend the auction—we still have plenty of artwork left for sale, both by Dorothea and other talented artists.
Every Little Bit Counts
“Here at the ReStore, we like to say that we’re in the donation business because everything we do, from providing great deals to building new homes, starts with donations.” ~ Will Stegemann, ReStore Manager
Habitat is kept afloat by the generous donations we receive from the members of our community. Donations help us build more homes, pay our employees, and carry out the many projects we do to assist people in need. Whether it’s $5 or $100, every dollar donated goes towards supporting an organization that is aimed exclusively at improving our communities in Columbia County. Click here to donate.
Visit Us Online!
One of the best ways to stay up-to-date about what’s going on at Columbia County Habitat is by following our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. There you’ll find information about upcoming events, ReStore sales, opportunities at Habitat, and so much more!
If you would like to join our mailing list to receive future digital newsletters, head over to our newsletters page to sign up. It’s quick, simple, and completely free of charge!
