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Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity PO Box 3188 Staunton VA, 24401 Tel.540.886.1944 habitat@ntelos.net Fax:540.886.8238
Read the FALL Newsletter! Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4(Patience... .PDFs take time to load) Sponsor a Habitat Building/Mission Day! (see becoming a volunteer at left!) News and Updates:
Local
CONTACTS: Rhonda Howdyshell, SAW HFH, (540)886-1944, 292-0978
National
CONTACTS: Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: March 31, 2008 § First time local Habitat Chapter has received funding from Thrivent Builds Homes program. (Staunton, VA) The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity is giving thanks for some much needed funding to build homes this spring. “We were told before Christmas that our grant proposal that would bring 65% of the funding needed for a Habitat home – was NOT selected,” said Rhonda Howdyshell, Executive Director of the SAW Habitat for Humanity. “I was concerned that we would have to tell one of our waiting families there would be no home for them this year! But then at the end of January we received a call saying that we would be able to go forward and it is a tremendous blessing.” On a national level, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has committed an additional $20 million to the Thrivent Financial /Habitat for Humanity alliance bringing the four year commitment to $125 million. Of that amount, $23.2 million will be used in 2008 to build 322 Habitat homes in 42 states. Additionally in 2008, the alliance will support more than 200 volunteer teams that will help build homes on the Gulf Coast and abroad. “At the beginning of the alliance we committed $105 million, but actually budgeted an additional $20 million that we could add later if the alliance proved successful,” said Senior Vice President Brad Hewitt, of Thrivent Financial. “Given our results to date, we’re ready to make that additional commitment.” The increased commitment from Thrivent Financial responds to the interest and involvement of thousands of the nearly 3 million Thrivent Financial members, the successes of the alliance since it was formed in 2005, and the understanding that it has greater potential yet to be realized. Locally, SAW Habitat for Humanity has been awarded 65 percent of the funds necessary, to build a home in 2008 through the alliance. This home will be built by area volunteers, of whom at least one-half will be Lutheran and one-fourth will be Thrivent Financial members. The Habitat partner family will also invest 250 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build their home. Construction will begin this spring and is expected to continue for six months. “Adequate housing is a basic human need and I am excited to be a part of the national effort that recognizes that need,” said Rhonda Howdyshell, executive director of Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity. “Local Lutherans are the key ingredient in this project, without them it can not be completed. We need experienced builders, carpenters, and laypersons to sign up through their Lutheran churches to assist with the Thrivent Build.” Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity brings together two national nonprofit networks of more than 1,600 Habitat affiliates and 1,362 Thrivent volunteer chapters. The need for an effort of this magnitude is great: · ► According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing in 2007, nearly half of low-income U.S. households—more than 13 million families—pay more than 50 percent of their income on housing. · ► Millions more live in overcrowded conditions or housing with severe physical deficiencies, such as having no hot water, electricity or toilet. “This chapter project,” said Dean Stenzel, Thrivent Builds Specialist of Natural Bridge Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, “which includes the area of all of Augusta and Rockbridge counties plus bordering areas of West Virginia and Rockingham and Nelson counties. Approximately 1200 Lutherans worship every Sunday in the Natural Bridge Chapter area.” # # # Radiothon Raise Funds to Build Homes § Annual Event in its 13th Year ~ $15,858 PLEDGED. (Staunton, VA) The Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity held its Radiothon March 10th, 11th, and 12th from 6 to 10 a.m thanks to Clear Channel Communications. The four-hour morning show was simulcast on WKDW 900 and WKCI 970 AM. Chris Losh host of the morning show will have special guests: builder Tom Montgomery, Third Presbyterian Pastor Jack Wilkers, Habitat President Irv Beadles and Habitat Executive Director Rhonda Howdyshell and other community leaders and ministers sharing information about the Habitat program and its impact on our community. The SAW Habitat for Humanity has built or rehabilitated 42 homes to date and helped house 150 people. These families were currently living in sub-standard housing, desired to work with other volunteers to build their home, and had enough monthly household income to be able to afford the modest Habitat interest free mortgage which averages less than $350 a month. Habitat is not a government housing organization – but a community supported Christian housing ministry. They have set a goal to raise $15,000 during this year’s Radiothon. All of the funding raised will be used to build homes for waiting families. Donation pledge forms and more information can be obtained at by clicking here PLEDGE FORM by calling the office at 886.1944. or Simply e-mail us your Pledge! Tell us how much you would like to pledge, your name and address, and if we may or may not announce your gift on air! Our e-mail is: habitat@ntelos.net.
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Frank Wagner of Waynesboro Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Service (Staunton, VA) Over 75 supporters, board members and volunteers gathered at Linden Heights Baptist Church in Staunton on Sunday (Dec. 9) to celebrate the community support and volunteer service given to support the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity’s (SAW HFH) work to end poverty housing in our area. SAW HFH is a Christian housing ministry and a non-profit 501 c(3) public charity that was established in 1993 to build homes, lives and communities through faith. They have built or rehabilitated 42 homes and housed 139 people who join the program to achieve their dream of decent affordable homeownership. By building simple no frills homes with volunteer help, using volunteer labor and offering an interest-free mortgage, SAW HFH has been able to reach families who otherwise would not be able to afford a home of their own and are currently live in substandard or poverty housing. Recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and given the “John A. Zinn” award for unselfish service that has made a significant contribution to the mission of the SAW Habitat for Humanity was Frank Wager of Lyndhurst. The award was named for John Zinn, a key founder and the first volunteer Executive Director of the SAW HFH affiliate. Five distinguished service awards were given for a specific accomplishment or significant contribution in service. Recipients were Irv Beadles of Waynesboro for leadership in the Spring fundraising Radiothon; Jim Conley of Staunton for leadership in organizing and hosting the first Care-a-Vanner volunteer build, Fred Grunder of Fishersville for work on the organization’s by-laws; Craig Highland for leadership and service on tax matters, Restore planning and major gifts; and to Rhonda Howdyshell for outstanding service as Executive Director for 5 years. Numerous awards were given for construction management including: Dick Bolton and Dewey Feuerhelm of Churchville, and Raymond Reed and Frank Wagner of Waynesboro. Core volunteers honored with more than 100 hours of service included: Irv Beadles of Waynesboro, Frank Sutton, Howard Marshall, and Jerry Matchett, all of Staunton. Numerous certificates for committee service and business appreciation were distributed. The Outstanding Business award went to the Allied Ready Mix – Transit Mixed Concrete for their many years of support and the Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) energy efficient home initiative. The Public Service Award went to WVIR – TV29 Augusta County Bureau. Director’s Awards for outstanding service were presented to Balzer & Associates of Verona and JR & H Architects of Charlottesville for their work to enable successful completion of the site plan for the SAW Habitat for Humanity’s future outlet store, office and education center to be housed on the ground floor of Mrs. Rowe’s Catering building and warehouse on Rt. 250. Members leaving the Board of Directors were recognized for their service, they are: Dewey Fuerhelm of Churchville; and Mimi Moring of Swoope. SAW HFH officers for 2007 were announced and they are Irv Beadles, President; Salome Baugher, Vice President; Craig Highland, Secretary and Lynn White, Treasurer. # # #
For those who seek to volunteer at building sites, and preparation work in the Gulf States or those who want to send emergency funds for relief and Habitat for Humanity International's Operation Home Delivery please see the national website for sign-up and contribution forms at: www.habitat.org |
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