Linda Baker Speaks on HFHSWU

TODAY IN ROTARY there were a number of important announcements as follows:

·               Rotary Christmas Party will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 11 at the Ledges Golf Course.  Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child and/or donate something to the Silent Auction.

·               Toiletries for an Eagle Scout project at the Veterans Home in Ivins must be turned in no later than Monday, December 7.

·               There are still 6 schools which have not yet received their dictionaries.  See Reed Noble with any questions.

·               Elections will be held on Monday, December 14.  Rulon Olson has agreed to run for the position of President-elect Nominee.  Brandon Staples, Bryan Wheat and Lynn Beecher have thrown their hats in the ring for two positions on the board and Janet O’Riley has indicated her willingness to serve as secretary.

Today’s speaker, Linda Baker is a longtime member of SGR and is currently Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah, an assignment she refers to as “my next great adventure.”  In her presentation, she dispelled many of the rumors about Habitat, including “it is not a give away program … one of the requirements to become a Habitat homeowner is the ability to pay a mortgage payment every month.”  Linda also indicated “this is such a change for me.  In the non-profit sector, I was surprised to learn we have to raise the money to fund our paychecks.”  Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah is one of approximately 1700 affiliates worldwide participating as part of an affordable housing Christian ministry.  In Washington County for 20 years, HFHSWU has built 21 homes for qualified low-income families.  They will soon break ground on the 22^nd home on the last lot they own “free and clear.”  In our affluent community, finding affordable property to build homes on, is “one of our biggest issues.” 

To qualify for a HFHSWU home, applicants must meet the following requirements:

·               a resident of Washington County for at least one year

·               legally able to work in the USA

·               meet 30-60% of the area median income

·               demonstrate the ability to repay a 0% mortgage payment each month

·               partner with the affiliate in providing 250 hours of sweat equity

·               graduate from a financial management program

·               save up to be able to afford a small down payment

Habitat for Humanity of SW Utah also tithes 10% of all ReStore profits and pays $4500 for each home built in Washington County to build another home in a 3^rd world country.  To date, HFHSWU has provided these funds for homes in Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Chile and Haiti.

Linda also indicated her enthusiasm and appreciation for volunteers who willingly come out to help with a variety of projects at the ReStore, assist in the completion of A Brush with Kindness projects and build homes.

There are many opportunities to serve through Habitat.  Call Linda or Lil at 674-7669, ext. 3 or email to director@habitatswu.org or community@habitatswu.org to speak to Lil Barron, Director of Community Development and Engagement.