Habitat
Our Saviour’s helps to support Habitat for Humanity as this organization builds safe, secure, and affordable homes in our community. Habitat’s mission is putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. We assist Habitat in this mission by volunteering to: 1) help with home construction, 2) serve lunch to construction volunteers, 3) sell goods at Habitat’s ReStore, 4) provide leadership on youth projects, 5) help with fundraising for future faith-build homes, and 6) join volunteer efforts to help families in other countries through Habitat’s Global Village.
Many of these volunteer activities are shared efforts with the three other ELCA Lutheran churches in Ft. Collins, along with two partner churches, in the formation of FOCOLU-Habitat Faith Builders. Through our FOCOLU partnership, OSLC volunteers can help build Habitat homes one day each month for about 10 months of the year.
As Fort Collins Habitat’s 2024 season of building affordable homes gets underway, I wanted to thank you for your tremendous support last year. Our December Christmas Ornaments, Decorations, and Gift Basket fundraiser made nearly $4,000 for new Common Ground Faith Build homes. In addition to helping Crystal and Neal with their home, we are now helping two new Faith Build families with affordable home ownership. To do this, we will need lots of help and, if you can join me in this important cause, there are many ways you can support these families with initial costs and related steps towards home ownership. Volunteers from Our Saviour’s are needed to help with some special activities:
- Build Day Volunteer (Build days this year are April 20, June 15, Sept 28, Oct 26, Nov 23, and Jan 16). Three volunteers (age 16 and over) are needed to help with our Saturday, April 20, Build Day at Harmony Cottages in Fort Collins.
- Lemonade Stand – middle school age youth – this summer. Volunteer youth and parents needed.
- Youth Project – holiday items to be sold at the ReStore. Volunteer craft specialists are needed in a wide range of skill areas (e.g., woodworking, pottery, fabric arts, painting, and more).
- ReStore Volunteer – provide a few hours of assistance in areas needed.
Please let me know if you would like to volunteer to help in one or more of the above areas and activities.
Lastly, I wanted to mention the Faith Builders Luncheon on Thursday, April 25. This festive event is being held at First United Methodist church from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. In addition to great food, fun-loving company, and exciting presentations, the two new Faith Build families for 2024 will be introduced and you will have a chance to hear each family’s story about their life experiences. I will be hosting a table and, if you would like to join me at this terrific event, please let me know. Thanks again for all the wonderful things you do to help build affordable homes in our Fort Collins community.
Have a great day,
Jerry
P.S. There is an urgent need for Build Day volunteers for Saturday, April 20! Please let me know as soon as you can if you can help. Thanks!
To learn more about Habitat, or to volunteer in making a difference in our community, please email Jerry Freier (freierreed@msn.com).