At a Donor Appreciation Reception last Tuesday at Northern Trust Bank, Indian River Habitat for Humanity supporters were given an opportunity to hear from one of the recipients of their generosity, as well as to view the second phase expansion plans for the IRHFH ReStore, which provides funds to refurbish or build roughly one-third of Habitat homes in the county.
“If you drive down U.S. 1 you will see a lot of construction going on at our store adding 9,500 square feet of retail space. It is so important because the dollars brought in through the store are changing lives,” said Habitat President/CEO Andy Bowler, adding that donor contributions provide the rest.
In this 25th anniversary year, Habitat has set an ambitious goal to help 100 families through a combination of new home construction, rehabs and neighborhood repair projects, especially for elderly and handicapped residents.
“We just feel that there are so many working people who are trying to get a decent place to live and it is out of their reach, so we want to help,” said board member Rene Donars.
Martin Bireley’s late father Rich Bireley served on the IRHFH board, often also helping with on-site construction, and now he has taken up the mantle.
“When my father passed away my mother took his position on the board and just last week I came on board. My dad loved to swing a hammer; he was a frustrated carpenter and loved that part of it,” said Bireley.
Newly elected chairperson Connie Poppell thanked guests and spoke about 2015-16 fiscal year accomplishments, including that they have built 12 homes, reconditioned 13, and, in the Gifford community, repaired 77 homes. They have also tithed enough to build another 77 homes in Haiti and Nepal, where home costs run about $5,000 to construct vs. $100,000 in Indian River County.
Toward the ReStore expansion, she said, “We have already raised about $750,000. We are halfway there and need to raise another $750,000 in the next 60 days. I know with your help we can do it for the working poor in Indian River County.”
Jaqueline Charles was at the event with her children to thank guests on behalf of her family and husband, who was unable to attend due to work, for enabling them to soon move into their new Habitat home.
“I am so proud and honored to be here tonight,” said Charles. “The community we currently live in is in the least desirable neighborhood in a very small place paying $800 per month. We have always hoped to find some place we could call our own. The thought of home ownership was a dream but we never thought it could come true. It was a long shot but this was going to be our forever home. It’s built now; we built that. We did that Habitat; we did that!”
Lifetime volunteers Jean and Gene Cravens said they were at the very first organizational meeting of Habitat for Humanity 25 years ago, and added that seeing the excitement of new homeowners makes it all worthwhile.
“If you can just do a little good, then you have to do it. We are all a family now just trying to help others,” said Gene Cravens.
“This is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. The appreciation that is shown by the homeowners is something you cannot duplicate and you will never forget,” agreed Roger Lajoie.
