Subject: Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity Newsletter

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Dear Rewards Members,

Habitat for Humanity International founder, Millard Fuller, pointed out that it’s fun to get excited about eliminating poverty housing, but “when the yelling is over, you gotta pick up the hammer and start driving the nails.”


Looking back over 30 years of driving nails, Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity has had a journey marked with learning, growth, blessings and gratefulness. We have rejoiced with over 100 Habitat families as they’ve achieved stability, self-reliance, and their dream of homeownership. We have overcome setbacks, as we continue to build through both a housing crisis and health crisis. We endure because of God’s help through your support. We are grateful for your trust, commitment, and ongoing financial support that is creating A world where everyone has a decent place to live. Because of you, we have partnered with over 600 individuals to create affordable housing solutions, interrupting the cycle of poverty and bringing hope. It is a blessing to work alongside each person seeking a firm foundation on which they can shape a successful life. You are a part of that transformation. When we stand beside our Habitat families with support, guidance, and joy, you stand with us. Thank you for picking up your hammer!

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Support the next 30 years of building homes, community, and hope!

Michael's Legacy


Michael, a U.S. Military Veteran and electrical journeyman of 35 years, will achieve his goal of homeownership on October 26th, 2020. “I was scared when I walked in” says Michael, “I’ve been knocked down a couple of times, so I was so happy and surprised that I was one of three [families] chosen to move on with the [Habitat] program. Having [future Habitat Homeowners] Qwauna and Lacey go through this with me gave me so much hope and motivation. We’ve had the chance to  really do something here. To get into a home and leave a legacy behind.“

 

Joining the Habitat program in 2019, Michael, with his positive attitude (a legacy from his parents), has become a light among the other partner families and construction crew. He recalls his dad being the helpful man behind the scenes working to keep them afloat, arriving at church events when it was time to set up or break down. His mother was on the frontlines, always making sure everyone in the neighborhood had enough to eat and always volunteering for her church. “My mom is my biggest inspiration,” he says, “My mom worked so hard for our family and community. I’ve faltered, but now I can fix that. I can keep my kids together. My mom set the bar high and now I have to raise it.”

 

Michael is the father to five daughters and grandfather to a dozen grandchildren. His daughter Mary and her five children will live with him. “All my daughters pitched in and volunteered on the house, but Mary took all the financial classes with me,” said Michael. “Going through mentoring classes with Mary really made us butt heads, but it also made us a lot closer. 

We talked about our values and boundaries and it made us have more respect for one another.  That is the happiest part in this. We have the opportunity to all be together as a family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I haven’t seen that since I was a kid.”


 Michael earned his Bachelors degree in Human Services and has plans to work on his Masters degree now that he has stable housing and he wants to give back. “ This experience has given me more goals.” he says, “I have learned to work towards something. My employers see that I am stable and others will see that too. This gives Mary the opportunity to finish school and go on to nursing school. She can concentrate on her goals, on her life skills, and I can help her along the way.” 

 

We are so excited to continue watching Michael’s journey unfold.as a father, electrician, and Habitat homeowner. His legacy is clearly before him.

Check out our full Newsletter at www.BlackHillsAreaHabitat.org

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    This is an online snapshot of a newsletter created by the owner of Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity (Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity, 610 E. Omaha Street, 57701 Rapid City) and sent via GetResponse on 2020-11-02. Report abuse