Living With Dignity
Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County is an independent affiliate and the local embodiment of the global nonprofit housing organization’s vision — a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The organization has been involved helping families build and find homes in Snohomish County since 1991. The local organization is part of founder and former president, Millard Dean Fuller’s, visionary international organization Habitat for Humanity, headquartered in Americus, Georgia, and established in the country’s bicentennial year of 1976. The organization is well known from the efforts of former President Jimmy Carter’s involvement in 1984, renovating a six-story New York City apartment to create affordable housing for 19 families. The former President, his wife and family have continued to participate with the organization since their initial efforts. The global organization’s website is www.habitat.org. Habitat for Humanity’s Snohomish organization “is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.” The principle upon which Habitat for Humanity was founded is the belief that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Based on Christian principles, the organization is not a proselytizing organization. For the second year, Home Street Bank will present a “Raise the Roof Breakfast” for Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County. This year’s event will be held on October 5 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. You can call 425.405.7768 for more details. The event is a fundraising and volunteering experience the entire family can participate in together. Locally, Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County provides volunteer opportunities, along with the participation of families receiving the aid, in the construction of new homes and home sites. The organization is currently working with a number of families who need assistance building their first “American Dream” homes. Professional builders, plumbers, electricians and construction workers are encouraged to contact the organization. However, Habitat for Humanity also is willing to provide basic training in home construction and maintenance for anyone interested in participating in the construction of projects underway. If you are not interested in home construction but would like to volunteer, Habitat for Humanity also operates home supplies outlet stores at 16929 Highway 99 in Lynnwood and 2302 Broadway in Everett. These retail stores raise funds by selling home products, like furniture, appliances and building materials — the proceeds of which go to fund family home construction costs. The Lynnwood store is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. The Everett location is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Families and individuals are welcome to bring donations by the stores during these times. There are other products, besides home building products, available to purchase at 50 percent off retail prices. On my visit, I found a front-load washer and dryer set that had already been sold after only being on the sales floor for a week. Families interested in assistance with building and financing their new home are screened by The Family Services Committee to see if they meet income and need requirements. Many community businesses besides Home Street Bank participate and donate their time and resources to help Habitat for Humanity and its families. Dunn Lumber, whose store is directly across the street from the Lynnwood Habitat For Humanity store, often donates supplies, services and assistance. My relationship with Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County grew out of a classroom visit from the Executive Director, Guinn D. Rogers, CE, MSOL, who has over 35 years’ experience leading and working for nonprofit organizations. Guinn visited my class and discussed his role and the role his organization plays in the local community. Please take some time out of your busy schedule to help others and gain from the mutual benefit of learning and sharing your talents. Habitat for Humanity can be reached in Snohomish County: Lynnwood, Washington Snohomish Co, HFH of 16929 Highway 99 Ste 100 Lynnwood, WA 98037-3102 Phone: 425.258.6289 Everett, Washington Snohomish County HFH Store 2302 Broadway Everett, WA 98201 Phone: 425.258.6289 www.habitatsnohomish.org Mark Preising is an adjunct faculty member at ITT Technical Institute Everett and Seattle Campuses. Mark has been teaching public relations and marketing for over 10 years to college level adults both online and in class.
