President's Message Jan. 26
Posted by Ron Searfoss
on Jan 26, 2016
Morning Star Rotarians had the pleasure of a special presentation from Habitat of Humanity, specifically The Habitat for Humanity ReStore for the Lehigh Valley.
Alli Ingram, ReStore Procurement Manager was joined by Camille Urbano, Lehigh Valley Habitat Volunteer Manager. The ladies were a very effective tag-team in showing what Habitat is all about and how it is so successful in the Lehigh Valley.
The Lehigh Valley affiliate of Habitat was founded in 1989. 2014 marked the 25th anniversary in the Lehigh Valley and dedication of their 100th home! Habitat builds homes in the ABE area. Allentown focus has been the Neighborhood Revitalization program emphasizing rehab of existing structures. These properties were previously vacant and blighted, so often they can be purchased from the Redevelopment Authority for $1. In Bethlehem and Easton the focus is on new home construction.
The philosophy is to provide a means of breaking the cycle of poverty by providing a “hand up”, not a “hand out”. It is estimated that there are over 95 million Americans living in substandard housing (that is 1/3rd of our population). Habitat helps break the cycle of poverty by making homeownership possible to those who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. All Partner Families contribute 250 “Sweat Equity” hours per adult on the construction. They then earn their home and repay a 30-year 0% interest mortgage to Habitat which owns the homes until payment is completed.
The ReStore provides an environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of landfills. Donations of new or gently used building materials and household goods are accepted and resold back to the public.
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All funds raised by Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore provide direct support for Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley's vision:
A World Where Everyone has a Decent Place to Live!
The ReStore is always looking for help – Donate! Shop! Volunteer!
Board of Directors – you will recall last week we had the sad news of Alex Shnaydruk and his family being relocated to Europe the end of December. Alex is a Board member with his term being 7/1/15 – 6/30/17. I am pleased to announce that Robin Metzler has volunteered to serve the balance of Alex’s term as Director. His confirmation will be addressed at the next Board meeting. Thank you Robin!
If you haven't already done so,
REGISTER NOW!
District 7430 Conference
2015 – 2016
The Inn at Pocono Manor
April 8 – 10, 2016
Educational and a ‘real’ Celebration
Here's the link: http://www.whythecow.com/
Save the Date!
RI President K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran of Sri Lanka will be coming to King of Prussia on Tuesday, May 17th, to recognize District 7430 for raising over $2 million for the Rotary International Foundation. District Governor Doug Cook is asking that as many Rotarians as possible attend the celebration that evening.
This Week's Meeting
Please join us January 28th when we celebrate our Race Recognition of the sponsors, supporters and Bethlehem Special Olympics as the major recipient of this very successful 25th Anniversary event. Helpers are needed for 50/50 and Introduction of Visitors/Guests – would you please lend a hand?
If you would like to learn more about either Bethlehem Morning Star or Rotary International, please contact Ron Searfoss at rsearfos@ptd.net or 610-504-1460.
Remember to be a gift to the Lehigh Valley!
President Ron
