Keeping the Faith

      Unlike a lot of non-profit organizations, Habitat for Humanity depends a great deal on faith.  Faith in “God’s plan”, and faith that if we plan something that will benefit people in need, it will happen.  And together we have laid the foundation for better lives for many families.

     But not everything can be done on faith alone.  This organization needs people who can turn this faith into action to accomplish these goals.  And those people are volunteers.  Everyone from the President of our affiliate, to every Board Member, to nearly every helper is a volunteer, and we need the helping hands of as many people as possible.  We need helpers for our committees and construction sites.  We need helpers in our office.  We welcome more voices in deciding new plans for the future.  We need helpers to do everything we do.

     The Atlantic County affiliate’s President, Ken Groome, has noted that whenever he talks to people about Habitat he usually gets the same response, “I think that’s great. I would like to help.”  And Ken recommends that we all take those contacts and actually get them involved.  This job is too important to be one person’s job alone.  Yet, we need to encourage, cajole, and sometimes kick people in the butt, to get them started.  But in the end (no pun intended) their efforts will benefit another and change them.  Because Habitat has a way of opening your eyes to a world very much like your own, only different.  However, recruiting volunteers is becoming more and more difficult.

      Ask your ministers how difficult it is to get volunteers, and they will say that it is getting harder all the time.  Ask friends in other non-profit organizations and they will say the same.  People claim that they want to help, but they often need convincing.  So take Ken’s advise, and “the next time you hear a friend, relative, or even a complete stranger say they want to do something about this world, tell them that you know a great place to do it.  And don’t let them off the hook if they say they’ll call the office!”

      Remember, we all have a vested interest in seeing that Habitat continues its mission, and we all know people who can help.  So let’s try bringing some more of those helpers in…Heaven knows we need them!

CLASSIFIEDS

 The newly established Homeowners Association wishes to implement a classified section to the newsletter, because so often one person may have what another person needs, and vise-versa, but doesn’t know it.  Therefore, these ads would enable us to communicate not only what we are looking for, but also what we have to offer.  If you have slightly used goods, possess a specific skill or are simply eager to help, let us know.  The advertising is free!