A Note From The Executive Director:
Thanksgiving has come and gone but at Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO giving thanks is something we do all year long and in many ways.
One of things we are especially thankful for is the chance we get to help others find blessings that THEY can be thankful for. See, when we provide a family or an individual the chance to earn their keys to a more affordable home by working and saving, it’s extremely satisfying. When they say ‘thank you’ to us, we are also thankful for having had the chance to offer that proverbial ‘hand up.’
When a Habitat partner homebuyer is successful…Habitat is successful.
When we hear people thank us when we provide affordable home repair assistance through our A Brush with Kindness or Critical Home Repair programs, we are really thankful, too. When someone is unable to do home repairs on their own, or can’t afford to hire a repair service, our low-cost programs offer the chance to have their home fixed up usually for the cost of materials. They work alongside our volunteers, if able, and pay back the material costs over time through affordable, interest-free, payments. And, again, when they say ‘thank you’ for that new coat of paint, repaired porch steps, replaced windows or other improvement, it’s actually the Habitat team (staff, volunteers, contributors, etc.) who are grateful for that opportunity to give something back.
So, as I write this we are only 5 days from Christmas. As put the finishing touches on our holiday preparations, be sure to keep the needs and challenges of our own community’s poverty on our holiday radar screen. Remember, it is through a culture of philanthropy that includes not only the generous giving of financial donations and contributions but also time and talent that will allow Springfield to stem the tide of poverty and allow Habitat for Humanity to grow its mission and help area residents build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
Merry Christmas,
Larry Peterson
Executive Director