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Letter from the Executive Director
"Wow. She is a strong woman." I've notice recently that I say
this a lot.
Like last year after a homeowner called a local media outlet to demand
they stop running a story where an interviewee mistakenly identified a
neighbor has a Habitat homeowner. The homeowner knew the closest Habitat
home was well over a mile from the location of the incident. "Habitat
are good people. I'm tired of being trashed" she proclaimed.
Strong woman was used again as I heard a homeowner talk about how she
collected three bids and negotiated a price to replace her furnace after
more than 17 years in her home. She saved her money, did her research and
found a difference of $1000 in the bids.
It was said again when a board member with an extensive background with
a title company told me how impressed he was when a future homeowner asked
countless, thought-provoking questions regarding her forthcoming mortgage
payments, property taxes, loan details, escrows, and property insurance.
I remember when I started with Habitat, I thought how great it was to
help "the less fortunate." Was I wrong about this job!!! I'm not
helping the less fortunate.
I'm working WITH people who have decided to take control of their
lives. Families who have taken a tremendous leap of faith as they have
left the security of landlords as problems solvers and relocation as the
answer. They have chosen independence and continuity in their lives and
the lives of their children.
One afternoon, a new homeowner stopped by my office with her three
children. I remember watching them climb all over her - tugging at her
clothes, giggling and making demands of her attention.
It hit me like a brick. She has kids who love and admire her, she has a
job and now her own home. She's not less fortunate. She is tremendously
Blessed! Habitat for Humanity is just another resource in her life that
she is utilizing to improve her personal and financial position as she
raises her children.
What a joy to be a part of this organization. I hope that all the
volunteers, donors and Habitat advocates feel this same joy as they
tirelessly support our mission. Thank you for all that you do for our
homeowners and our community!
Tonya Thayer |