R Murray introduced Melissa Morrison:
Melissa has been involved community building in Northumberland County for over 20 years. Prior to working with Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, Melissa held several positions at several public sector organizations including Contact North, Northumberland Child Development Centre and Northumberland County. With each of these positions, her passion for community grew. In 2012, as part of her role at NCDC, she ran the Northumberland for Youth Program where she saw the impact of positive mentorship programs for youth. Over the past 10 years, she has continued to support youth in the community in a variety of leadership roles.
In 2014 she had the opportunity to sit on the family selection committee for Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. During this time, she saw the impact that Habitat created within the community and she knew she wanted to do more. In 2016, she joined the board, but it wasn't until 2017, she made the jump to become staff as the Community Engagement Coordinator and she never looked back. Between planning team builds, volunteer appreciation events, and supporting partner families as they completed their required sweat equity hours, Melissa has overseen building this program which has connected volunteers with Habitat.
Most recently, Melissa expanded her role to also encompass the fund development portfolio. As the Community and Fund Development Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, Melissa is responsible for the engagement of both volunteers and donors, as well as planning fundraisers and events for the organization. This is especially rewarding as she gets to build stronger relationships and connections within the community with the common goal of creating strength, stability and indepeneance through affordable housing.
Habitat for Humanity Northumberland celebrates 25 year's in 2023.
a world where everyone has a decent place to live
They provide support for people to buy their first home and for home renovations. Habitat holds first right to buy back home if needed.
Since 2016 they have the 'Restore'. Profits from the Restore pays for Habitat's administration costs so all donations go to the builds.
213 families have been helped to own their own homes and renovations.
People must demonstrate a need, a willingness to participate and provide sweat equity. They have to have financial stability with full time jobs. The application process is extensive. They want to set people for success. There is no down payment needed, and the mortgage is set to their income.
The first 5 years the equity in the home goes back to Habitat, after the initial 5 years, the owners start to acquire some of the equity in the home.
A percent of donations goes to the global Habitat organization.
In addition to new homes, they have a Home Repair Suite, providing grants, interest free loans and forgivable loans.
Since 1998, 64 families moved to home ownership. One home under renovations currently and 214 families helped.
They currently have a Building Hopes Campaign to build 7 row houses. These homes will include solar panels and be net zero. They hope to break ground this spring.
Team builds are back. There were 13 team build days in 2022. They are looking for groups for 2023.
In 2023 they hope to help 52 households. They are looking to make use of second stage housing. They are looking to convert a 2 unit home to 6 units. In the interim, they are partnering with Cornerstone to provide accommodation space.
We thanked Melissa for sharing and updating us. We also elected to donate the two prints R Daniel brought in to Habitat for their upcoming gala and silent auction.