Housatonic Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 30 Years on Thursday, Guests Invited to Sign a Stud!

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is excited for the organization’s first annual Blueprints and Blue Jeans event which will take place this Thursday, September 22 at the Lounsbury House in Ridgefield. The fundraiser will celebrate 30 years of building homes, communities and hope in the Western Connecticut area and will honor longtime Habitat supporter, John Patrick. 

Below are 7 facts (you might not know) about Habitat and a special way guests will "leave their mark" during the celebration on Thursday:

Sign a Stud

During the fundraising event, attendees will have an opportunity to "Sign a Stud". "Our volunteers have constructed a small frame of a house, which will be displayed at Lounsbury for all to see -- and SIGN. Guests are encouraged to leave messages of hope and encouragement to Habitat homeowners on the boards, which will ultimately be used for our new home builds, to be started later this fall," explains Housatonic Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, Diana Arfine. 
 
The attire for the event is “casual country Connecticut.” Tickets are $125 each, groups of 10 are $1000. 
 
Visit HousatonicHabitat.org or HousatonicHFH.givesmart.com to purchase tickets or donate.

7 Interesting Facts about Habitat

FACT #1

Habitat offers a hand UP, not a hand OUT

Habitat for Humanity does not GIVE homes away. Our homeowners are hardworking members of the community who must qualify for their mortgage and work alongside Habitat volunteers in building or renovating their homes.

FACT #2

You don’t need to swing a hammer to help.

While we do need volunteers to help build or renovate our homes, there are many other volunteer opportunities available. Workers can help at our two ReStore locations sorting donations and styling the showrooms. We also need office or marketing assistance and help at our “Wrapping at the Mall” fundraiser each holiday season.

FACT #3

Back to school!

Habitat Homeowners are required to take 50 hours of financial education courses, providing them with tools on how to be successful and responsible homeowners. They are taught tips on everything from credit repair to budgeting to estate planning. Our volunteer financial advisors offer ongoing one-on-one mentoring even after the homes have been purchased.

FACT #4

We’re BIG into recycling.

Habitat ReStores sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The proceeds help to build homes and fund home repairs in our community. Donations are always needed!

FACT #5

We wear many (hard) hats.

In addition to building new houses, our “Brush with Kindness” program offers free home repairs to seniors and veterans living on fixed incomes, and our first-time homebuyer workshops are open to anyone in the community.

FACT #6

New York City Connection

Every year since 2007, lumber milled from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been given to Habitat for Humanity and used to help a family build their Habitat house. Company employees from Rockefeller Center build alongside the family. 

FACT #7

It Wasn’t Jimmy Carter

Contrary to popular belief, while former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has been a longtime Habitat volunteer, he didn’t start the organization. Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller in Georgia. The Carters have been avid supporters since 1984, helping to build or renovate 3944 Habitat homes in 14 countries.

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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