A Relatable Story on World Habitat Day
WHAT DOES CRYSTAL COAST HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HAVE IN COMMON WITH KENYA, SAN JUAN, AND HAITI? – No, this is not a trick question.
We all share the need at Habitat for Huma
nity to provide Stability, Self-Reliance and through Shelter.
More than 30 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly took an important step in promoting the idea that everyone deserves a decent place to live, declaring that the first Monday in October would be World Habitat Day. On Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, Habitat for Humanity will join with our partners around the world to rededicate ourselves to recognizing the basic right to adequate shelter. Crystal Coast Habitat is part of the dedication.
This is where we need you to help us to help others. Although the UN recognizes only one day (October 7), we are extending this recognition for the month of October. Stop by one of our ReStores in Newport or Jacksonville, and donate $1, $5, $10 or visit online to donate. As part of a global community, we will tithe the proceeds to our overseas affiliate in Puerto Rico. These families have been ravaged by weather, political distress, and economic challenges that have left many in need. Your donation will go directly to their aid for shelter.
Bringing this thought of critical aid of shelter to those ravaged by hurricane resonates with all of us who experienced Hurricane Florence last year. Since it is just over a year since the hurricane, below is a story by one of our regular volunteers and how Habitat has aided in their loss. And, it is a reminder why it is so important to donate items for our ReStore, or building materials, volunteer time, or money. After relating to this, we can do the same for our neighbors in Puerto Rico.
Our volunteer fled her home on September 13, 2018, with the imminent threat of Hurricane Florence. An enormous pine tree went through their roof during the storm. Although they had a rental, it would be five months before returning to a reconstructed home. Her testimony follows:
“Quickly, I realized returning to our usual activities would be therapeutic and volunteering at the Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity ReStore was important to me. Staff, other volunteers and especially all the customers I have come to know over the years, put things in perspective as we commiserated on our Florence experiences and losses.
I’ve always found unusual pieces or”must-haves” to purchase when volunteering at the ReStore. I have often said that every room in our home had at least one Habitat treasure! Little did I know how my weekly presence at the ReStore after Florence would be so instrumental in making us “whole”. Fortunately, our rental home during those five months had a garage which I systematically worked on filling, in anticipation of replacing our lost belongings. Seven chairs, three tables, a dresser, lamps, and artwork are among the treasures purchased at the ReStore during that time. Not only do they now enhance our comfort and décor, but they are also a reminder of a year of healing and the influence and importance that Habitat has had on my life as we all work to make affordable housing available to those in real need.”
