As we all navigate this unprecedented time, Habitat’s foremost concern is for the health and well-being of our employees, volunteers, partner families, business associates and our community. We’ve had to close or cease many of our operations, and our office staff are working from home to keep key projects moving forward. We wanted to take a moment to share with you how the pandemic is affecting us.
Our Habitat stores are closed and store staff furloughed
Habitat operates three retail stores in Snohomish County selling building materials, appliances and furniture. Out of concern for the health and safety of our customers, volunteers and employees, and following government guidelines, our stores closed to the public on March 24. Since all profits from our stores are reinvested into our operating budget and our fund for building homes, the stores closures will cost us about $25,000 a week in revenue.
Unfortunately, to help enforce social distancing protocols, all ten staff from our stores have been temporarily laid off after the shelter-in-place order was instituted. We intend to hire them back when our stores can reopen and we are continuing their health benefits during their furlough.
Prospective homeowners waiting to move in
Construction for our home in Gold Bar was completed in March. The final steps of inspection and appraisal have slowed down as government entities wrestle with the virus impact. This has lengthened Michael and Vickie’s timeline for moving in. We are working hard to tackle this disruption so Michael and Vickie can enjoy their new home.
Yes, there’s good news!
Progress toward our Twin Creeks Village project is still underway as we work remotely. When complete, Twin Creeks Village will host 24 homes in six fourplexes on an acre in Everett. This neighborhood will provide a pathway for affordable homeownership for 24 low-income families totaling about 100 people.
We have made great strides in the structural and civil plans for the site. Our target for groundbreaking on select civil construction tasks is still late in 2020. We are also still planning to begin construction on the first building in spring of 2021.
Every Habitat home relies on the generosity of the building community to donate materials and labor. We are actively seeking companies to become gift-in-kind partners in their product or service specialty on this project. We are particularly interested in firms that focus on civil construction, home building and landscaping. If you are with a construction firm or a construction materials retailer or wholesaler, and you are interested in contributing to Twin Creeks Village, please contact our Construction Manager Chris Anderson at (425) 659-1405 or Resource Development Coordinator Aaron Olsen at (425) 405-7767.
There is hope
As we adjust to this new world, know that we will get to the other side of this challenge because of the kindness of the human spirit and the strength of our community. Take good care of yourself and your family. Together we can create a brighter day.
We continue to accept financial donations. You can support Habitat’s work to help families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance by clicking the button below.