by Stacey Bartholomew, CHC President
Once again, this community is coming through in its generosity and continued support for the mission of Creating Housing Coalition and the building of Hub City Village. At our Almost Home Fundraiser in late January, we gathered with over 100 friends from the community and beyond at Sybaris Bistro. A wonderful meal was served and pledges were made to help raise funds for the completion of the village. By the end of the evening, $163,000 was raised, for which we are forever grateful and humbled.
This figure falls short of what is needed to meet our goal. Over the months of construction, we have made so much progress. However, there have also been several unexpected setbacks leading to cost overruns and delays. These overruns stem from the nature of the site and the newness of this kind of project. Lessons learned as we go forward planning future projects!
As of now, 21 of the 27 houses have been fully framed and many have been insulated and sheet rocked. In the next several weeks the electrical lines will be laid and connected for all the houses. Foundations for the last 6 houses will be installed and walls will go up while other houses get insulation, paint, flooring, kitchen and bathroom fixtures and appliances. Everything needed to make these houses a home!
In order to keep it all flowing, we need your donations more than ever. “It just makes sense!” is the comment we hear most when explaining the purpose and function of Hub City Village. It makes sense to offer our neighbors the opportunity for a hand up rather than a hand out. It makes sense to offer affordable housing to those who otherwise might have to rely on government subsidies just to have a roof over their heads. It makes sense to treat all people with dignity and empower them to live self-sufficient, productive lives through on-site peer-to-peer support where once there was none. It makes sense because a stronger support system makes a stronger, more resilient community. It even makes sense that folks like you to give whatever is in your means to help make this happen.
There are other ways to show your support. One such way is to get involved in making the village homes ready for the new residents. Projects are in the works now, led by dedicated volunteers, who would welcome more participants. Information can be found in this email and on the volunteer page on our website.
By donating or volunteering, comes the satisfaction and rewards that can only be felt from the heart. Rewards that bring us all together as one – as a more complete and flourishing community. The final mile always does seem the longest. We know, together, we will get there. We’re almost home!