Habitat kicks off 25th year in Kane County with Blitz Build event
For almost two and a half decades, thousands of hardworking Habitat for Humanity volunteers, donors, and supporters have built nearly 100 homes in the Northern Fox Valley area.
Forty-one of these Habitat homes have been funded by the ReStore in Elgin.
Through its Critical Home Repair and A Brush With Kindness programs, more than 150 homes have been painted or repaired.
Globally, 127 additional homes have been built around the world through donations by the Northern Fox Valley affiliate.
These are just some of the accomplishments Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley has to celebrate. Now entering a milestone 25th year, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is set to celebrate by building a house in just 25 volunteer days.
The second volunteer day - Saturday, May 30 - will be open to the general public for any and all volunteers looking to get involved. Each build day will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain will kick off the remainder of the 25-Day Blitz Build on Friday, June 5, at the site located at 708 Elma Ave. in Elgin. Teams of volunteers will be helping to build the house expected to be finished on July 31, the organization's official 25th birthday.
In addition to the Blitz Build, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is planning its most ambitious year to date. The goal is to build 13 homes and complete 45 repair projects.
"Volunteers and sponsors are still needed for the Blitz Build. With so many projects planned, we are in need of more volunteers than ever before," said Barbara Beckman, executive director. "Donations of building materials and licensed construction expertise are always welcome as well."
To get involved in second Blitz Build day on Saturday, May 30, please contact Olivia Vlahos, volunteer & outreach manager, at olivia.vlahos@habitatnfv.org.
Those interested in sponsoring a group build day during the Blitz Build in June or July should contact Bill Klaves, associate director, at bill.klaves@habitatnfv.org.
Both Bill and Olivia can also be reached at (847) 836-1432.
Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity bring people together to build homes, community, and hope. Soon to be in its 25th year, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that recruits and coordinates volunteers to build and rehab homes for families in need who do not qualify for a conventional mortgage. Partner families work alongside the organization's volunteers to help in the construction of their home. Once completed, the homes are sold to the partner family at no profit, and the new homeowners receive a zero-interest mortgage.
A Brush With Kindness & Critical Home Repair
A Brush With Kindness and Critical Home Repair serve as companion programs to Northern Fox Valley's home building and mortgage lending programs. The purpose of these programs is to provide minor and major, interior and exterior repair services to:
• prevent houses from deteriorating
• address health, life, and safety issues or code violations
• prevent families from being displaced
• protect affordable housing stock in our communities
• ensure families live in safe, healthy and well-maintained homes
These programs are an expansion of Habitat for Humanity's mission. While building houses and providing zero-interest financing remain the foundation of what we do, it has become increasingly important for us to help neighbors already in their homes. By maintaining existing housing stock, we prevent homes from deteriorating.
Retail With A Mission: ReStore Elgin
ReStore Elgin is a 40,000-square-foot building materials re-use center benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. The local Habitat ReStore accepts donated new and gently used goods from area retailers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and homeowners. These building supplies are then sold at greatly reduced prices to the general public. The store's retail operation generates funds to support Habitat's homebuilding program in the Northern Fox Valley area, while also reducing the amount of material that would otherwise go to overflowing landfills.
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical homebuilding organization that works around the world to provide safe, decent, affordable shelter for families in need. As an affiliate, our mission is to build homes for qualifying families in the community, sell the houses at no profit, and engage volunteers. Founded in 1990, Northern Fox Valley has completed 92 new construction and rehabilitation projects in Algonquin, Carpentersville, Elgin, Lake in the Hills, St. Charles, and Streamwood.
For more details about Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley projects and programs, call (847) 836-1432 or visit habitatnfv.org. For information about ReStore Elgin, please call (847) 742-9905 or visit restorelgin.org.
Meet the Family Partner
Sheena Perez is one very persistent and determined young woman. When her best friend and Habitat homeowner, Erin, told her about the Habitat program, Sheena decided then and there that she wanted to apply.
The road to homeownership was not easy. Sheena's divorce had left her with a lot of debt, and it took almost 3 years - and three applications - before she was financially ready to become a Habitat homeowner.
"When I found out I had been approved, I cried," Sheena said. "Obviously, they were tears of joy and happiness. Patience does have its rewards."
Sheena and her family are so excited to be part of the 25th Anniversary Blitz Build. They are all very excited to be part of the whole building process and to see the rewards of hard work. After three years of waiting, the fact that the construction is going to take about three months is nothing short of amazing.
"We can't wait to live in our new home - a house that will be full of love and blessings. We are thankful for Habitat and all the volunteers that will make this possible."