Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God’s people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which God’s people can live and grow into all that God intended.

Home is Where the Art Is

Mark your calendar for "Home is Where the Art Is," Habitat for Humanity of Southwest
Utah’s biggest annual fundraiser, on Saturday, November 6. Join the friends of Habitat for Humanity at the Villa Gardens Reception Center, for an evening of entertainment and refreshments amidst outstanding works created by those of the local art community.

This is your chance to support Habitat’s mission to build homes for deserving lowincome families in Washington County by donating art work or purchasing paintings, pottery, photography, sculpture, jewelry, wood, glass and metal art. Watch for more information in the local media or call Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah at 674-674-7669 to donate art work or to purchase tickets for this exciting fall fundraising event.

ReStore Hours Changed

LeRoy Stratton was the first Washington County homeowner to receive help through A Brush with Kindness. Still recovering from recent surgery, LeRoy was selected for the first ABWK project because of his need to have weeds and debris cleared out of his yard . . . and a fresh coat of paint in his kitchen. Volunteers showed up ready to go to work on LeRoy’s birthday! Two days later, his kitchen was freshly painted and his yard weed free - and LeRoy called it “the best birthday ever.” With the completion of the Stratton project, Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah has now officially joined Habitat affiliates all over the country in a new program designed to help qualified, low-income homeowners in need of a little extra help maintaining their home and property.

A Brush with Kindness is a locally-operated program serving low-income homeowners struggling to maintain their homes. The program uses good-hearted volunteers for exterior maintenance - typically including painting, minor repairs, landscaping, weatherization and clean-up. In addition to volunteers, Habitat uses donated materials and takes no profit for their service. Homeowners who receive assistance through A Brush with Kindness must have a demonstrated need, meet income requirements, be willing to partner in the project, complete an application and repay a 0% interest loan, if necessary for the repairs.

“A Brush with Kindness gives us a great opportunity to help more families in our community, beyond those who are already Habitat homeowners,” states Michelle Hill, Executive Director of the local affiliate of the non-profit, ecumenical Christian ministry. “Helping people keep their homes attractive and livable fits in seamlessly with our core mission of making decent, affordable housing available to low-income families in our community.”

 

Executive Committee

The Board of Trustees and I would like to thank our Executive Committee members for providing the leadership and stability to Habitat through 2009-2010. It takes considerable time and energy to govern well and these individuals have made a difference by giving their minds and hearts to Habitat. I certainly appreciated their support of me as a new Executive Director as I tried to quickly learn about this organization and its beautiful mission, thank you for your strength and dedication.

Elections were held June 15, 2010 for our new Executive Committee who will be serving 2010-2011. We are grateful for their willingness to take on these leadership roles and look forward to the great things that will be accomplished this year!

~Michelle Hill, Executive Director

Past Executive Committee Elected Executive Committee
Linda Sappington — Chair Sommer Bowler - President
Wes Jensen — Vice Chair Amy Lanier - President Elect
Glenn Justice — Treasurer Glenn Justice - Treasurer
Mike Gbursky — Secretary Skyler Lawrence - Secretary

Board Members: Michelle Anderson, Stefanie Bevans, Rebecca Bundy, John Donnell, Mike Gbursky, Mark Heiner, Dave Huber, Curtis Jensen, Wes Jensen, Past Executive Committee Eric T. Kropf, Ra Puriri, Linda Sappington, Lincoln Smith, Brian Taylor

Volunteers

In 2009, Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah celebrated many accomplishments toward our mission to put deserving low-income families into safe, affordable homes. Our success was due to the efforts of a dedicated board; the generosity of many individuals who gave their time and resources to help us help those in need and for generous grants from several Foundations…” We have placed a sign in the ReStore to recognize and celebrate our 2009 Donors and Volunteers.

We would like to recognize WCBR for coming out and helping with the landscaping on the Hinostroza home. We had a great time working together and the yard looked amazing. Heather Hinostroza said “it’s exactly what I wanted”.

Coldwell Banker Premier Realty once again has made a significant cash donation to Habitat. They truly believe in the golden rule, “treat others how you want to be treated”. The contributions of their agents truly lend a helping hand to Habitat’s

Tolbert & Nielsen Realty Group has graciously made a few recent donations to Habitat. Kathy Nielsen has been involved with Habitat for several years and her compassion is evident in her service to others.

SunCor Development Company continues to send in donations. Habitat would like to thank Mike Gardner for continuing to believe and support Habitat’s mission.

Habitat was thrilled to receive a good neighbor grant from State Farm Companies Foundation due to the volunteer efforts of Sherry McGhee.

Recent Donors

Southern Utah Home Builders Association graciously invited Habitat to participate last February in the Parade of Homes. How thrilled we were to have a booth in the home of Jay Bradley of Pride Homes Inc. We enjoyed having the opportunity to tell the public of Jay’s contribution in building our last Habitat home and handing out information about the ReStore. SUHBA has been such a good friend to Habitat, we are so appreciative of their support in our mission to help others.

The Women’s Council of Realtors Third Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon Gala at SunRiver Ballroom was a delightful event. A portion of proceeds raised from their silent auction was donated to Habitat for Humanity. How grateful we are for the amazing support from the local Realtor community and the wonderful women who are a part of WCR. Red Mountain Running held a 30/50k on April 24th, $5.00 from every registration was donated to our affiliate. A big thank you to the athletes and Jeremy Frehner for their enthusiastic support to help families in our community, more information at www.redmountain50k.com

Disney Volunteers

Disney may be a 4-letter word at the Volunteer Center of Washington County - which helped more than 1900 southern Utah’s get to the “Magic Kingdom” -but Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah thinks the nearly 100 volunteers who “Gave A Day to Get A Disney Day” were “love in action!” Moms, dads and kids of all ages distributed hundreds of fliers advertising the Habitat ReStore, collected soda cans and helped with a variety of Habitat projects to earn a free pass to a Disney theme park. Through their efforts, sales at the Habitat ReStore have increased and thousands of aluminum cans were converted to cash. Thanks to all our very special Disney volunteers who helped us spread the word about Habitat’s mission to build houses for deserving, low-income families in southern Utah.