Here's a letter that Habitat affiliates received from Habitat for Humanity International's CEO, Jonathan Reckford. It was so good I just had to share!
2020 has been … a lot. A global pandemic upended any semblance of normal life. Here in the U.S., a relentless history of systemic injustices and brutal violence against our Black brothers and sisters called our nation to a long-overdue reckoning on racial justice. And we’ve just been through one of the most divisive U.S. elections in our lifetimes, with profound consequences for our nation and world, particularly for the people we serve.
We have a lot of unanswered questions before us. When all the ballots are counted, who will control the branches of government? How will our nation and world heal our divisions? When will this pandemic end?
Here’s one question I know the answer to: Where does Habitat go from here?
We double-down — with steadfast intention and fierce commitment — on our mission.
Our organization was born in a climate of segregation and division. Our mission to put God’s love into action insists that we push forward in times like these and doesn’t change with who sits in any particular elected office.
Our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live is made only more urgent in a pandemic where a safe home has been the first line of defense.
Our work to build the Beloved Community that Dr. King envisioned can’t wait a moment longer.
I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I’m weary. Tired of video calls from my son’s old bedroom. Wondering when I will get to see my friends and family. Missing the office and working with colleagues I admire. Saddened by the deep divisions in our communities.
But then I think about all the people who are counting on us. The more than 1.6 billion people around the world who still lack adequate shelter. The 1 in 6 families in the U.S. paying half or more of their income on their rent or mortgage. The tens of millions of Americans under threat of eviction or foreclosure after the pandemic robbed them of their income. They can’t afford for us to be tired.
For 44 years, Habitat has been a place where people of all backgrounds, faiths and races have come together. By engaging our mission, and building together, we have shown the power of our connection with others. I’ve built with Hindus and Muslims in India. I’ve built with whites and Blacks in South Africa. And I’ve even built alongside Democrats and Republicans here in the U.S. We can be the light of the world, the city on the hill, letting our light shine before others. Let’s show the world how it’s done, and invite others to join us.
In partnership,
Jonathan T.M. Reckford
365 Days of Prayer
We are preparing for our Faith Build in 2021 in many ways: build plans, qualifying families, raising money, signing up volunteers but most importantly, we need to take time to PRAY! Without the foundation of WHY we do what we do, our efforts won't be as meaningful and transformational.
From December 1, 2020 - November 30, 2021, join us through prayer HERE. We are asking 365 different people to sign up to intentionally pray for us for 365 days - that's the lead up to our Faith Build and through the build.
And - you don't have to live in Rice County, Minnesota, to pray for us! If you're a volunteer and you love our mission, ask your extended family and friends to lift us up in prayer!
You can also sign up to be on a crew by filling out THIS FORM.
Faith Builder Meeting
We want to bring together our Faith Builders (and wanna-be Faith Builders) together to talk about our Faith Build in 2021.
Please join us for a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 6pm. Please sign up HERE to attend that meeting so we know who will be joining us. The Zoom link will be sent to you and will also be on our website the day of the event.
THANKS Rice County Area United Way
We had a great opportunity to share our thanks to the Rice County Area United way last week by participating in a "Bus Tour" of the agencies they support. You can see our video below (it's only two minutes). THANKS United Way for your recent gift of $2,000 and your ongoing annual support!
Rice County Habitat's stop along the virtual "Bus Tour" to view the programs United Way supports in our community.
Give to the Max Day
You can support Rice County Habitat for Humanity on November 19, 2020, with this special day of giving by clicking HERE. And, you can always skip the fees and donate through our website where 100% of your donation comes to us - and you can do that year round!!
Don't want to give on line? We love good old fashioned checks! You can mail a check to:
Rice County Habitat for Humanity
204 7th Street West, PMB 128
Northfield, MN 55057
Our Habitat Story
Here's our Habitat story in pictures and facts! Enjoy! Click on the picture below or HERE to open the book!
Shop on Amazon Smile to support the work of Habitat!
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In partnership,
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