An update from our Executive Director

 

Dear Friend of Habitat Berks,

The health of our community has always been our primary concern, and usually we build the health of our community through our unique process of homeownership. But today, we are, along with so many others, working to protect the health of our community.

I am reaching out today to let you know what is happening at Habitat Berks in light of our current situation surrounding the coronavirus.

At our Construction site:

• We have temporarily suspended all work for our construction foremen employees as well as our regular unpaid volunteers.
• This will delay the completion of two of our house renovations that were tentatively slated to be completed by the end of Spring.
  • Because of this suspension, the sale of the homes to the Habitat homeowners will be delayed.
  • Deliveries of materials to our job sites will be delayed.

At our Family Services Program:

• Education classes provided by Habitat Berks will be delayed.
• Our future homeowners are facing the same economic uncertainty as many, which may affect their mortgage eligibility.
• Our future homeowners are being encouraged to earn sweat equity hours by volunteering for organizations that are in need of more volunteers due to the current crisis.

At our ReStore:

• The ReStore closed its doors to the general public on March 16, 2020 and will remain closed until further notice.
• All donation pick-ups have been put on hold.
• All volunteers have been told to stay home for health precautions.
• Group volunteer experiences will be rescheduled.
• Once we are able to open again, we will make every effort to make sure the store is clean and safe for customers.

At our main office:

• As of March 16, 2020, our main Habitat for Humanity of Berks County has had staff working remotely.
• We have been attempting to maintain our daily work routine, however, all appointments, conferences and meetings have been cancelled and will be rescheduled
• At this time, there is no definite return to the office date, therefore, as long as our office staff can maintain their work duties remotely, we will be available to contact via email.

As you can see, we’re always busy, pushing ahead and doing all we can to help support decent, affordable housing opportunities in our community, but right now, we believe taking a step back and slowing down a little in some areas is imperative for the safety of everyone in the Habitat family – including you.

Stay well,

Tim Daley
Executive Director

P.S. You continue to hold the key to our success. With your help, we can continue to build and improve the places that our neighbors call home. You can help us keep working through this situation by making an online donation today at www.habitatberks.org.