Winter 1998 Newsletter

Formatting Update: August, 1998

News From the Volunteer Desk

by Melissa Martin

I've got to hand it to you, Seattle. Either everyone made a 'get involved' New Year's resolution or you are just really generous and giving people. The phone calls we have received lately have been great, from people wanting to organize a work group on-site to people willing to work in the office or share their skills serving on a committee. Many families will benefit from your generosity. Thanks and keep my voice mailbox full!

Volunteer and Construction Update

In response to all of the energy and willingness to give, we have been trying to schedule as many groups and place as many volunteers as possible. As of March 1, we have one Construction Supervisor (who is so good he may seem like three or four people) and are finishing two homes built by volunteers in South Park. We have set a goal of constructing ten homes in 1998, which we will accomplish, but in order to ensure a good experience for volunteers, produce a quality product with a safe process, and keep Tim Lawless on-site, we have been limiting the groups and volunteers working on-site Saturdays. It is great that there is so much volunteer support, but tough if you are like many people and want to volunteer several consecutive weekends or see a project to completion. I apologize for any frustration you have experienced.

There is a positive side: Seattle Habitat is a growing organization with plans to expand both our staff and construction sites utilizing volunteers. We have submitted plans for two homes in South Park, which we expect to be able to begin in March. Seattle Central Community College is working through the week on one home at Lexington Place, with the second being started by SAFECO Insurance Companies within the next two months. Site work has been completed for three homes in Shoreline and the Women Building for Humanity home will start construction in March. The Shoreline Coalition of Churches' home and the third home on the site will begin in early summer.

In addition to ongoing construction at all three sites, we are planning a four-house 'Blitz' build in South Park during Building on Faith Week, September 12-20. We are condensing a six-nine-month schedule into a nine-day effort, so there will be many opportunities to help plan and work on this exciting project. Please call the office if you are interested in helping plan this event and keep your eyes open for information on workdays.

With the addition of new sites and construction staff, we hope to increase the number of opportunities available to both groups and individuals interested in working on-site this summer. Currently, with one Construction Supervisor and two homes under construction, we have scheduled groups through Building on Faith Week in September and into the beginning of October for Saturday work days. We are keeping the second Saturday of each month open to individual volunteers, but again, spaces are limited at this time. The site will be closed for Passover and Easter in April, but open May 9 for volunteers. Please call the office voicemail after hours with your interest. We are also hoping to expand the number of midweek work opportunities for both skilled and general volunteers to work on-site, helping with construction, completing details, helping maintain the site, and preparing for weekend work crews, so there will be even more chance to swing a hammer.

Volunteer Needs

As we build more homes and try to minimize construction costs, we have more opportunities for Crew Leaders, Trade Leaders, or House Leaders on-site. Crew leaders are experienced individuals comfortable leading 4 to 5 general volunteers. We are currently recruiting skilled leaders to work in all facets on construction. Trade Leaders are individuals willing to assume responsibility for one phase of construction, whether it is cabinetry, framing, or plumbing trim-out. House Leaders are individuals who have experience both working with Habitat and overseeing home construction from foundation to completion. In all cases, these skilled volunteers are encouraged to make a longer-term commitment to the project. By utilizing the knowledge of skilled volunteers, we not only reduce home costs and increase the safety and quality of construction, but increase the opportunities for general volunteers to work on-site. This is a great way to help Habitat grow.

While there may be limited opportunities on-site for the next several months, there are many ways to volunteer with Seattle Habitat by serving on committees and working in the office. Each committee meets monthly, coordinating efforts ranging from Resource Development to Family Partnering to Finance. Committee membership involves two-hours once a month for meetings plus any responsibilities you assume. Committees are vital to the success of this organization and they are very active in affecting change.

Finally, we operate an office Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00. Because of our small staff, we involve volunteers in almost every aspect of our operations, from reception to spreadsheet design to mailings and data entry. We are always recruiting volunteers with time during the week to help accomplish our mission.

Two Special Opportunities

A coalition of nine churches in the Shoreline area is working together to raise funds and construct one of the three homes at the Shoreline site. As part of their fundraising efforts, they have produced the Shoreline Coalition of Churches Discount Card. Over ten Shoreline area businesses are offering discounts on products and services through this card. The Coalition is asking for a $10 contribution per card. For information or to purchase a card, please contact their main line at 206-366-2118

A group of volunteers from Olympic View Community Church in the Maple Leaf neighborhood will be traveling as part of a Habitat for Humanity "singing work team" in July, 1998. To help raise funds for the trip and to increase the number of homes constructed, Velda Braun has committed to double the good through a "Work-A-Thon" in the Seattle office. Please support the efforts of Olympic View and Habitat in Malawi by making pledges to Velda either by hour worked or in the form of a one-time gift. For information, please contact Velda Braun in the Habitat office at 206-292-5240 Mondays through May 31, between 10:30-Noon.

Thank you.

Over one hundred new and return volunteers attended the January Planning meeting held on January 24th. Thank you to all who attended, who participated in discussions, and indicated in interest in partnering with Seattle Habitat. Thanks to committee members, Board Members, and staff for sharing your knowledge at information tables and through presentations. Special thanks go to all those who helped coordinate the behind the scenes event, including office support from all volunteers, especially Jeff Ladd, Maria Pimentel, Karla Garrett, and staff member Jennifer Knight, set-up helpers Dan Coppin, Candy Richardson, Kathleen Petrie, Janet Higgins, Sarah McCaghren, Dorothy Kimball, Geri Windecker, Julie Alaimo, and Laury Phillips, food donation coordination by Carrie Tracy, filming by David Bishop, Paul Huang, and Erika Wretling, and clean up by a speedy group of volunteers. Thanks for all your help!

Over the past year, together with the Public Relations Committee, Paul Huang has acted as the point person for the Habitat quarterly newsletter. Paul has coordinated all aspects of production from content to layout to research about printing to setting production deadlines. Paul will be leaving Habitat in the Fall to head back to graduate school. Thanks for all of your hard work. Good luck in school and remember, there is always room for an article from our news correspondent in the field!

Finally, if you know of an outstanding Habitat volunteer you would like to recognize in the newsletter, please call 206-292-9617 with your nomination. Thank you.