(Madison County, NY – Dec. 2013) What started out as a seedling initiative to give local families in need a chance for a brighter, more meaningful future, has grown into a strong tree of support for families assisted by Madison County Habitat for Humanity and the volunteers who support them.
In 2014, the Madison County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
In 1984, the affiliate started out as the Cazenovia Area Habitat for Humanity. In 2007, after a merger with Hamilton Habitat for Humanity, the affiliate was renamed, “Madison County Habitat for Humanity.” With this change came a commitment to a larger community base.
To celebrate 30 years as a Habitat affiliate, the group has set a goal to construct two houses in the village of Chittenango. The houses will become homes for Veterans and their families. Groundbreaking is tentatively set for late spring or early summer.
A number of new changes are coming to the local affiliate in 2014.
Through reorganization, the local chapter is now partnering directly with Habitat for Humanity of New York who will help handle administrative work for the local chapter, freeing up more time for our local affiliate members to build stronger volunteer committees not only for our upcoming build, but for future endeavors as well.
Madison County Habitat for Humanity is currently looking for volunteers to serve on fund raising and building committees as well as working directly with families being served by Habitat.
Typically, it costs $90,000 for Habitat to build a new home for a family with the majority of that price tag paid for through donations of money, building supplies and in-kind services.
While working to achieve committee building, raising funds, planning and building for habitat families, we will plan continue our Brush With Kindness Program- a program provides smaller scale repair projects competed at homes of families in need of assistance.
“This year, in order to accomplish these goals, we’re looking for community partners, good neighbors and anyone else who can give families in need a hand up instead of a hand out,” said Shannon Emmons, a longtime volunteer.
For more information about Madison County Habitat for Humanity or to find out how to become involved with Madison County Habitat for Humanity, call (315) 510-5665 or email madisoncountyhfh@madisoncountyhabitat.org.