benton habitat for humanity summer newsletter 2014

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Bringing people together to make decent homes achievable for everyone in our community. Summer Issue 2014 National Women Build Week was a great success this year! In May, over 50 people raised the walls for the Hernandez and Dominguez families. ese Women Build volunteers donated 281.5 hours in three days. A big thank you to our Team Leaders Lynn Mattes, Jeanette Brewer, and Barbee Bird who taught construction skills, led the work and kept everyone motivated despite the rain. National Women Build Week is sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement. Our Regional Lowe’s Distribution Center in Lebanon joined the activities with volunteers, food, and tools for the construction site. As part of participation in National Women Build Week, Benton Habitat for Humanity received a $5,000 Lowe’s giſt card to use for our home construction. ank you to Lowe’s for their tremendous support of Habitat! Lunch was donated by Block 15 and Maria Mooreand Block 15. e crews also enjoyed morning pastries compliments of NutCakes and New Morning Bakery. Women Build Women Build is Habitat for Humanity’s program for women who want to learn construction skills and build homes and communities. is program brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide. No experience is necessary! For more information about this great program please visit: www.habitat.org/wb

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Info on Partner Families, our Women Build initiative, donor highlights and more!

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Page 1: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

Bringing people together to make decent homes achievable for everyone in our community. Summer Issue 2014

National Women Build Week was a great success this year! In May, over 50 people raised the walls for the Hernandez and Dominguez families. These Women Build volunteers donated 281.5 hours in three days. A big thank you to our Team Leaders Lynn Mattes, Jeanette Brewer, and Barbee Bird who taught construction skills, led the work and kept everyone motivated despite the rain.

National Women Build Week is sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement. Our Regional Lowe’s Distribution Center in

Lebanon joined the activities with volunteers, food, and tools for the construction site. As part of participation in National Women Build Week, Benton Habitat for Humanity received a $5,000 Lowe’s gift card to use for our home construction. Thank you to Lowe’s for their tremendous support of Habitat!

Lunch was donated by Block 15 and Maria Mooreand Block 15. The crews also enjoyed morning pastries compliments of NutCakes and New Morning Bakery.

Women Build

Women Build is Habitat for Humanity’s program for women who want to learn construction skills and build homes and communities. This program brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide. No experience is necessary! For more information about this great program please visit: www.habitat.org/wb

Page 2: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

So much to report, so little space!! Of a very high priority is the announcement of our newly elected officers and directors. At a recent Board meeting Jennifer Costa was appointed President; Joe Whinnery, Vice President; Patrick Cochran, Treasurer; and Dennis Hanson as Secretary. Two new directors also joined the Board, Van Melick and Barbee Bird. This organization is led by a very diverse and engaged group.

Benton Habitat for Humanity is doing an amazing amount of work: we are building two homes this year, averaging two essential home repairs a month, and managing 21 active affordable mortgages. Through our amazing ReStore we are providing essential job training and diverting 700 TONS of waste from our local landfill. You are making this happen! We could NOT do our work without the time invested by our dedicated and amazing volunteers and donors.

Meet our newest partner families in this issue and (if you are motivated by our good work) donate money to our mission in the enclosed envelope.

Thank YOU for making decent, affordable housing a priority in our community.

Karen Rockwell

Page 2 · Foundations

Board of DirectorsPresident

Jennifer Costa

Vice President Joe Whinnery

Treasurer Patrick Cochran

Secretary Dennis Hanson

Immediate Past President John “Tim” Kaye

Don Abbott Barbee Bird Sherri Gates Donna Megy Van Melick Rio Prince

Bettina Schempf Ray Tucker Tom Wirth

StaffExecutive Director

Karen Rockwell

Fund Development Director Sandra Thiesen

Construction Supervisor Kevin Groh

Volunteer Coordinators Lewis Kiker/Jenna Baker

Accounting Intern Grant Van Dyke

Event Intern Rachael Meader

Marketing Intern Taylor Seidlitz

ReStoreReStore Director

Beau Henry

Retail Manager Theresa Kalell

Donation Coordinator Ron Lewis

Material Handler Steve Derlacki

A Note from the Executive Director

Fund Development Manager, Hilary Kovalchik’s last day at Benton Habitat was July 3. She and her husband, Kevin, are relocating to Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada where he will begin working on his doctorate in chemistry.

In addition to the big move, the couple will welcome their first child during the Christmas season.

Sandra Thiesen has been hired as the Development Director to develop funding strategies to

finance the building and home repair projects of the affiliate.

Sandra has served on several nonprofit boards, studied nonprofit fundraising for nearly 10 years, and most recently worked as the grant proposal writer at Community Outreach. We welcome Sandra to the Benton Habitat team.

Changes at Benton Habitat

Page 3: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

John Wiltz has been an integral part of Benton Habitat’s ReStore since the beginning. Over the years, he has volunteered thousands of hours to the organization. J

Between staffing changes in donations, John filled in and took over many daily tasks. When we received a bevy of calls for donation pick-ups, John would cruise the streets of Corvallis in our truck helping

others load up donations. John is known for being a

team player and loved for his fun-loving nature.

This isn’t the end of John’s endeavors with Habitat though, because he’s already been plugged into Portland-area ReStores and is helping them plan a big move coming up soon.

Best of luck in Portland, John! We miss you!!

Foundations · Page 3

Long-time Benton Habitat volunteer Brad Smith was honored at the 2014 Governor’s Volunteer Awards luncheon on April 24. Brad has volunteered with Benton Habitat for twelve years on the construction crew, on the Board of Directors, and was one of the founders of the ReStore. He has dedicated many years in varying capacities, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. Brad was among about 20 Oregonians recognized by the Governor’s office for their outstanding service and inspiring others to volunteer in their communities. Benton Habitat would not be here without the efforts of people like Brad and we are proud he received this honor.

Brad Smith receiving the Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Award from Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown – photo credit Jared Paben

Brad Smith Receives Award

John Wiltz Leaving for Portland

The ReStore has new hours and is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. We also take donations on the days we’re open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Donations are tax deductible and 100% of proceeds support Habitat for Humanity’s mission of bringing people together to make decent homes achievable for everyone in our community.

You can get in touch with the ReStore by calling us Tuesday through Saturday: (541) 752-6637

New ReStore Hours

Page 4: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

Page 4 · Foundations

Jesus Dominguez came to Corvallis in 1993 from Sinaloa, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States to provide a better future for her family and herself. Jesus and her children Carmen, Yulissa, and Miguel are looking forward to working on the construction of their home. Yulissa is fifteen and a sophomore at Crescent Valley High School. After high school she plans to attend college. Miguel is nine and in the fourth grade. Math is his favorite subject. Jesus also has an older daughter, Carmen, and a grandson, Oscar.

For the last three and a half years Jesus has worked at Foster Farms. She learned about Habitat for Humanity in 2000, and several years ago she contributed sweat equity on the building of a Habitat home for friends. Now, Jesus is looking forward to the day she will be able to realize her dream of providing a safe and stable home for her family. The family is very thankful for all the work and support Habitat for Humanity volunteers contribute.

As Jesus points out: without the volunteers, there would be no Habitat for Humanity homes.

Partner Family IntroductionsJesus Dominguez Family

Benton Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical housing ministry financed through private donations and volunteer labor. We build homes to be sold at no profit to Habitat, with a no interest loan to families in Benton County who are currently living in substandard housing and could not otherwise afford a home.

We have been building since 1991, and recently broke ground on our 33rd & 34th homes (see partner family introductions). We observe fair housing laws and therefore do not base family selection on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual preference, handicap, or national origin. Habitat homes are also built handicap accessible as necessary to accommodate the family’s needs.

Families are considered for the housing program based several criteria including housing need, ability to pay a mortgage, willingness to provide

“sweat equity,” and residency requirements.

Do you know a family in need? Applications are distributed at our annual orientation workshops.

The next opportunity to apply will be late September/early October 2014. For more information visit our website bentonhabitat.org or call us: (541) 752-3354.

Help Benton Habitat Spread the Word

Page 5: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

Foundations · Page 5

The Hernandez-Meza family members are Heriberto, Estela and their three children: Jesus who is eleven years old, Esmeralada who’s three, and Jade who’s one. Heriberto works for GCA Services Group at OSU. Estela works for the Corvallis School District.

The Hernandez-Meza family have lived in Corvallis for 13 years, always renting an apartment. Three years ago, they decided to buy their own house, but found it difficult because the mortgage was such a big portion of their paychecks. Last September,

at the celebration of Mexico Independence Day at Linus Pauling Middle School, they received information about Benton Habitat for Humanity. Now the whole family is looking forward to owning their house.

Partner Family IntroductionsHernandez-Meza Family

“Thanks to Habitat for Humanity for giving us the opportunity to make our dream come true. We have always wanted to give our kids a place to safely play and grow.”

-Heriberto and Estela

Cassie Amiotte, daughter of Dina and Scott Ratzlaff, is 11 years old and going into the 6th grade where she will be attending Cheldelin Middle School. She is active in her church, volunteers to help with child care, and also volunteers at Heartland Humane Society.

Recently, Cassie was a participant in the National American Miss Oregon State Pageant competing in several categories .

For the Pageant, she had to give an interview, introduce herself on stage, and participate in a production number dance with all the girls,

She came home with two trophies which were: National American Miss State Finalist and a ribbon in Photogenic participation.

Congratulations Cassie!

Partner Family Checkup: Cassie Amiotte

Page 6: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

Anonymous Anonymous: in honor of Bob Steffens Carla Allen Marti Barlow Mark and Louise Barnard Marg Bartosek Nancy and Edward Beaudry Mike Beilstein Margaret Bernhard Jenine & Thomas Bouman Bill & Carol Jo Brewster Beverly Chilcote Greg and Rose Christianson: in honor of Beth Christianson Carl & Julie Christianson Dana Crawford Lee Eckroth Luann and Phil Ermer Carrol and Jacob Esterhuizen Janet Gaventa Ken Gaylord Kevin Groh: in honor of Shayna Johnson Julie and Andrew Haymart Beau Henry Beverly and Stephen Hobbs Mike and Carol Huntington

Janet Huston Margaret Jackson Tammy Jaquith Tim and Hilma Kaye Russell Kaye Rosalind and Scott Keeney Jacquie Keller Carolyn & John Killefer Inge King Hilary Kovalchik Carol Kronstad Nancy Kyle Corrie and Evan Latimer Amy Lesan Alexis McKee Carolyn and Ron Miller Sue and Nicklas Pisias Thomas and Glenda Plant Rio and Jessica Prince Suzanne Roppe Linda Sarnoff and Nelson Loo: in honor of Nancy Book Bettina Schempf and Jeffrey Miller Megan Schneider Erika Schoell Smith, Davison, and Brasier PC Dorothy and Steven Sowell Priscilla Spears and Daniel Bean

Catherine Stearns Lori and Cary Stephens Andrea Thornberry Kari and Pieter van Zee Michael Villardos Richard and Doris Waring Thomas Wirth Christel Wohlafka Benjamin Wolk-Weiss & Chelsea Holman Angela & Robert Yeats

Page 6 · Foundations

Thank you to our generous sponsors! Without you, the breakfast would not have been possible.

Event Sponsors: Director’s Mortgage Gerding Companies Inc.Video Sponsor: Attic Media, Inc.Venue Sponsor: Corvallis Country Club

Table Sponsors: Abundant Solar, LLC Barnhisel, Willis, Barlow & Stephens P.C. Conser Realty & Associates E.D. Hughes Excavating Inc Nextgen Internet Systems Inc.

Solid Ground Electric Spectrum CPA Group, LLP Town & Country Realty Unified Insurance Group Zoetic Architecture

Over 100 community members attended the second annual HopeBuilder Breakfast. After a light breakfast, speeches by partner families, and a video spotlighting one of our newest families, these attendees contributed over $17,000 for our homes now in construction. Thank you to all of our donors!

Second Annual HopeBuilder Breakfast

Marian Thompson was one of Benton Habitat’s earliest and most regular supporters. She and her

husband Martin have been part of our organization since 1995 and have contributed to the building of thirty homes in that time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and she will be missed.

In Memory of Marian Thompson

Page 7: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

Foundations · Page 7

We’ve recently received support from many individuals and community organizations. Here are a few that really stood out:

Sigma Phi EpsilonBenton County FoundationCars for Homes donorsJohn H.K. LauwOSU Folk Club Thrift ShopGreg ChristiansonCorvallis High School Z-ClubFirst Alternative Co-op Beans for BagsRotary Club of Corvallis After 5Hewlett Packard Monthly Donors

Funding Updates

Benton Habitat relies on volunteers to for our mission of making decent homes achievable for everyone and you can help!

Home Repair Initiative: Benton Habitat does not just build new homes, but also works hard to keep people in the homes they have now, and this project is a great way to assist in that mission. We are working on one - two project a month and could use your help.

In addition, we have several unique volunteer opportunities coming up where you can help represent Benton Habitat and engage the public on the need for affordable housing.

Fall Festival: Benton Habitat is partnering with Purple Moon Coffee again this year and will have a booth on September 27-28. This event is a great way to engage the community and partner with local businesses to

raise money for us. Farmers’ Market: We have a

booth set up this summer, and it’s filling up fast. We still need a volunteer to represent Habitat on October 11 from 9am-1pm.

We also have volunteer opportunities at our ReStore and Construction Site. To learn more about these opportunities, please contact us by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: (541) 752-3354

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Sigma Phi Epsilon member Todd Kim presents his fraternity’s donation to our Volunteer Coordinator Lewis Kiker

Page 8: Benton Habitat for Humanity Summer Newsletter 2014

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDCorvallis, OR

Permit No. 117

P.O. Box 15514840 S.W. Philomath Blvd.Corvallis, OR 97339(541) 752-3354www.bentonhabitat.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Drop by the Benton Habitat for Humanity ReStore Corvallis at 4840 Southwest Philomath Boulevard

Only one coupon may be used per purchaseExpires September 30, 2014

Looking to save some money on your next project?

$5OFFOf your next purchase of $25 or more at the ReStore

Nice car.

Become an integral part of a future Partner Family’s dream: Donate your vehicle for homes. Your Cars for Homes donation helps Benton Habitat for Humanity make the dream of owning your own home a reality for Benton County families in need. We take

your donation of your truck, car, motorcycle, or any other kind of motorized transportation and turn

the proceeds into homes for our community. Please call (887)277-4344 or visit us

online at: carsforhomes.com to learn more about this

awesome program today!