With the challenges that this economy presents, I know that God, family and home are the places where I turn for calm reassurance and hope. The economic events happening today may cause us to contemplate important questions. What really matters in my life? What do I value? Where will I spend the money I have? What will I do with my abundant gifts, talents and resources? What legacy do I create for my children and

their world?

As you listen to, and ponder these questions in your own life, I hope you will find that at Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County we focus on what really matters to the families we serve; open hands, a kind heart, love for your neighbor, while build-

ing hope and creating the security that comes with a safe and stable home.

Please continue to share with us the abundant gifts so graciously given to you by our Creator. Within this newsletter you will find our appeal for your participation in the

construction of two more homes in Bayfield. You can help us bring peace and comfort to our Habitat partner families through homeownership and the

hope that you bring to their lives and our world.

Blessings to you,

Nadine

From The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine ChaneyFrom The Desk of Nadine Chaney--------OrantesOrantesOrantesOrantesOrantesOrantesOrantesOrantes Meet Our New Meet Our New Meet Our New Meet Our New

Partner Family:Partner Family:Partner Family:Partner Family:

KYLA and KYLA and KYLA and KYLA and

MADISENMADISENMADISENMADISEN

Kyla is a Durango native and her 11 year-old daughter Madisen was

born in Fort Sill Oklahoma. Their family eventu-ally came back to Durango when Maddie was of school age. Madisen is a 5th grader at a local elementary school. Kyla’s mother lives in Du-rango and is an important part of their lives. Kyla has worked at Colorado Legal Services for seven years and plans on furthering

her education at Fort Lewis College.

Both Maddie and Kyla love art! They enjoy being creative and sometimes getting their hands dirty in the process. Mixed media collage is their favorite art medium. Madisen is an avid reader and has an enormous book collection, her favorite books being mysteries and

Calvin and Hobbs.

Kyla had this to say about becoming a homeowner: “I have never dared to dream about owning my own home, especially in this area where prices are sky high! But recently, after a lot of life changes including a divorce, finding a home for my daughter and me became a priority. Rent here is outrageous and I was faced with the difficult choices of having to quit school and moving away to a more affordable place to live. I found my way to Habitat for Humanity and now we are so excited about our future and building a place we can call our home! From the staff and the vol-unteers involved with Habitat to my loving family and friends— I am in awe of how generous and truly kind the

human heart can be, it’s amazing!”

New Habitat Homeowners New Habitat Homeowners Have Moved In!Have Moved In!

During the month of February, Danial and Krystal Ciluffo, Jim Kline and Laura Pearson signed their mortgage documents and moved into their new Habitat homes in Bayfield! They are all settling in and getting their belongings in the right place. Angie Clay, who was accepted after the other families, has been making incredible progress on her sweat equity hours and will move in during the month of May. Bonnie Jean Jacobs became an owner of a Habitat home in Forest Lakes. She has created a wall of handprints to commemorate everyone who helped make homeownership possible for her. Thanks once again to everyone who played a part in these successes. The families are so very grateful for all your hard work and dedication.

3001 N Main Ave. Durango, CO 81301 • Phone (970) 382.2215 • www.habitatdurango.org

SPRING 2009 Issue 7, Published 3 Times Yearly

Remembering Our Founder,

Millard Fuller

At 29, Miller Fuller left his life as a

successful businessman and began

what is now known as Habitat for

Humanity. He dedicated his life

to the mission of eradicating pov-

erty housing and in 1968 began

building homes for families in

need. On February 3rd, he passed

away at the age of 74, leaving

behind a legacy of God’s love and

an organization to carry on his

good work. A memorial service

for Millard Fuller will be held in

Atlanta, GA, Saturday, March 14.

The public is invited to attend.

HABITATHABITATHABITATHABITATHABITATHABITATHABITATHABITAT

HAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGSHAPPENINGS

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.---- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Please make checks payable to Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County and mail to us in the provided envelope.

It’s easy and secure... Donate to Habitat for Humanity with Automatic Donation Withdrawal!

If you would like to set up an automatic donation withdrawal from your checking account, please fill out the information below and send it to Habitat for Humanity in the provided envelope.

Name:_________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________ Donation amount per month: $_______

Address, City, State and Zip: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Bank Name, City, State and Zip: __________________________________________________________________________________

Account Number:_________________________ Routing Number (9 digits, bottom-left side of check): ______________________

ID No. (Drivers License #): _______________________ Signature: __________________________________Date:______________

Dear Friends of Habitat, In La Plata County, hardworking people such as grocery clerks, office managers, auto mechanics, nurses, teachers, emergency response personnel, childcare providers and many others who provide important services to our community are being left out of the housing market as median home prices remain high while wages remain relatively low. Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County serves the lowest wage earners with the greatest housing needs by providing nonprofit, self-help, home ownership op-

portunities.

At Habitat, we exist to create long term change. Instead of handing over a house to those in need, we assist them to build their own. We provide an affordable mortgage, financial, construction and home repair training which empowers families and

effects permanent change and stability.

We endeavor to be as efficient and effective as possible. Our construction team is constantly working to make every dollar stretch and we strive to be good stewards of this community's resources. We have stepped up efforts to seek more sustainable and “green” ways to build and we are committed to having all Habitat homes be Energy Star certified as well as continue with

the installation of radon reduction systems.

We continue to seek out partnerships that further the cause of affordable housing and benefit all such as the one with Crowley Correctional Facility. The inmates who build the superb cabinets for all our Habitat homes gain valuable work skills and a sense

of self-worth while providing us with a quality, low cost product.

This year, we continue to fulfill our mission by building two homes in Bayfield, Colorado, marking the completion of our 30th home in La Plata County! However, in order to successfully complete these homes and provide the opportunity of homeowner-

ship to local families, we are asking for your financial support.

100% of your donation will fund local affordable housing construction and foster bright community change.

For One Habitat Homeowner:

• $2,000 will supply the shelter of roof shingles

• $1,000 will hang doors that open to opportunity

• $500 will light their home and life

• $150 will install a window through which to view a brighter world

• $75 will set a kitchen sink to complete the heart of the home

• $50 will purchase a large box of nails to hold it all together

• $25 will paint walls and color their lives with prosperity

Every dollar given puts us closer to providing a home for a very appreciative family. Thank you, for helping to make home own-

ership a reality for them. I am deeply grateful for your continued support.

Nadine Chaney-Orantes

Executive Director

PS – An enthusiastic family is, right now, working hard to build a new life for their children in La Plata County – Please

pick up your hammer (and your pen) and help “construct” a better community with us.

V O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E RV O L U N T E E R ’ S C O R N E R

CREW LEADERS, SITE CREW LEADERS, SITE CREW LEADERS, SITE CREW LEADERS, SITE

HOSTS & WEEKDAY HOSTS & WEEKDAY HOSTS & WEEKDAY HOSTS & WEEKDAY

VOLUNTEERS!VOLUNTEERS!VOLUNTEERS!VOLUNTEERS!

CREW LEADERS:CREW LEADERS:CREW LEADERS:CREW LEADERS: Do you have construction

skills and experience and would like to share your

knowledge with our construction volunteers?

Then Crew Leader is the job for you! Crew

Leaders arrive at 8:00am and discuss the build day

plans with our construction manager. They then

lead a small group of volunteers in a specific task

that takes more instruction and oversight. Crew

Leaders are essential to the success of Habitat

homes as they can provide additional and much

needed education to groups of volunteers.

SITE HOSTS: SITE HOSTS: SITE HOSTS: SITE HOSTS: Do you love people and being active

but construction work really isn’t your “thing?”

Then Site Hosting is right up your alley! Site

Hosts greet volunteers, collect liability waivers,

set up refreshments in the morning and lunch at

noon. They are also available for general

assistance on site; such as getting water, etc. Site

Hosts arrive at 7:30am and leave at 1:00pm after

lunch. This is a fun and social way to help

Habitat!

WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS: WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS: WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS: WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS: Habitat for

Humanity of La Plata County builds 5 days a week

and we need volunteers’ help on each day! Come

for a few hours or a whole day...all your time and

effort is appreciated.

Volunteer Orientation MeetingsVolunteer Orientation MeetingsVolunteer Orientation MeetingsVolunteer Orientation Meetings

Volunteer orientations serve as a valuable way for you to get familiar with Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County, the project you will be working on, the people you will be working with, and safety pre-cautions to take while on site. Volunteer orienta-tions for the 2009 build will take place on three dates in order to accommodate varying schedules. If you are interested in volunteering on the Habitat 2009 build, please plan on attending just ONE of

the orientation meetings.

March 31st @ 5:30pm at the Home Supply Store

April 28th @ 12:00pm at the Home Supply Store

May 26th @ 5:30pm at the Home Supply Store

Please contact Jen Nail at (970) 382.2215 or jen@habitatdurango.org if you are interested in

volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County

SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING? SPRING CLEANING?

Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Bring your things to the Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!Home Supply Store!

MONDAYMONDAY-- FRIDAY FRIDAY

10am10am--5pm5pm

SAT 10amSAT 10am--3pm3pm

The Habitat Home Supply Store contributes to our community’s endeavor to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our efforts divert items

from landfills and give home furnishings and building materials a

second home and purpose.

Your donations support the mission of Habitat for Humanity!

Just bring them by the Home Supply Store or call to schedule a

free pick up.

Do you love Habitat’s mission and want to help? Come volunteer at the store! We need folks to help customers, sort and price items, repair appliances, and assist our driver in pick-ups and deliveries

around the county.

Call the Habitat Home Supply Store for more information.

3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE3001 N. MAIN AVE

DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301DURANGO, CO 81301

(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931(970) 382.9931

3001 N Main Ave3001 N Main Ave3001 N Main Ave3001 N Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301Durango, CO 81301Durango, CO 81301Durango, CO 81301

(970) 382.2215(970) 382.2215(970) 382.2215(970) 382.2215

Habitat StaffHabitat StaffHabitat StaffHabitat Staff

Nadine Chaney-Orantes Executive Director

Jen Nail Volunteer and Development Coordinator

Michaela Cordes Grants and Office Administrator

Don Moffat Construction Manager

Ross Worley Lead Sales

Tim Gaul Lead Sales

Matt Lawrence Driver

Dan Cook Yard Worker

HFHLPC Board of DirectorsHFHLPC Board of DirectorsHFHLPC Board of DirectorsHFHLPC Board of Directors

Laura Shelton President

Rich Vick Vice President

Pete Olson Treasurer

Dean Brookie

Leanna Jaworsky

Aaron Miller

Christina Erteszek

Susana Jones

Aimee Stordahl

Non Profit

US Postage

PAID

Permit

No. 533

This new

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is printe

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be

mailed el

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to

receive

an elect

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our new

s-

letter in

stead of

the pap

er copy

, please

call (970

) 382.22

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Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Bringing Down the Hammer...Myths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about HabitatMyths and Truths about Habitat

MYTH: Habitat houses lower neighborhood property values.

TRUTH: Many studies of low-cost housing show that affordable hous-

ing has no adverse effect on other neighborhood property values. Habi-

tat firmly believes its approach to affordable housing improves

neighborhoods and communities by strengthening community spirit and

increasing the tax base while building better citizens through the coop-

erative efforts involved in Habitat construction.

MYTH: Habitat for Humanity was started by former U.S. President Jimmy

Carter.

TRUTH: Habitat for Humanity International was started in Americus, Ga., in 1976 by

Millard Fuller, along with his wife, Linda. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his

wife, Rosalynn, are longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national

and international attention to the organization's house-building work. They lead the an-

nual Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need

for affordable housing. Since the first work project in 1984, more than 2,000 houses

have been built in conjunction with JCWP events.