Sara Munro Hired As Director of Advancment


GMHfH welcomes Sara Munro to our staff as Director of Advancement. Sara brings 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sector including public policy and leadership development, fundraising, public relations, and communications. She has held leadership positions in development and community relations at Community Health Center of Burlington, Greater Burlington YMCA, and Central VT Community Action. She also supports campaign activities for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.
 
Growing up in Northern New England, Sara understands the barriers to homeownership that confront people from all walks of life. “Housing costs often keep families from moving out of poverty and from considering greater aspirations,” she explains. “A Habitat home is more than four walls and a roof. It is a community effort in support of those who are willing to believe in themselves to take a giant leap forward for the future of their families.”
 
Sara earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration at The University of Vermont. An active volunteer, she has worked on several boards of directors and committees for a wide range of non-profit organizations. This summer, she started her third year as President of the Junior League of Champlain Valley where she also served in Vice President positions, chair of sponsorships, and four years as Camp Director of their signature project, Camp Knock Knock. “Giving back is a family tradition and a habit I began when I made my first donation at age 5. I am lucky that my volunteer and professional work allows me to help others make their own meaningful contributions.”

Charlotte Homes Dedicated

Despite a chilly rain on Sunday, May 15, scores of well-wishers came to the dedication ceremony for two new Green Mountain Habitat homes in Charlotte. Beginning at the new home of the Bol Gai and her family the ceremony then moved next door, to the home of Katie Palmer and her sons for a final blessing by Rev. Will Burhans from the Charlotte Congregational Church. The families were presented with housewarming gifts, and both gave heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers and organizations which have made their new homes possible, offering hope that they can give back to the community.


Bol Gai and her family receive a gift of cleaning supplies from the Charlotte Congregational Church youth group.

Katie Palmer and her two sons began moving into their house right after the refreshments from the dedication were cleared away. Katie commented that it was one of the most moving experiences in her life. Her son Charlie was thrilled to display his new bedroom, which will be separate from his older brother’s. “Finally!” he exclaimed. On the other hand, his brother Dylan arrived early on moving day to place his pet guinea pig in the new quarters and to ensure that the first resident was, in fact, the guinea pig.


A large crowd welcomed Katie Palmer and her sons to their new home.

One of the homes features a highly efficient passive solar construction, now famous throughout the country for its ability to retain and monitor interior temperature without calling upon expensive non-renewable sources of energy. It is the first Habitat house in the country that meets the “Passive House” standard.

There is a third home currently under construction at the Greenbush Road location and soon the Bol’s and Katie’s families will be welcoming another Habitat Partner Family to the community.


Congregation Groups Spread the Word
by Clair Aimi
 
Help takes more forms than hammering, and local congregations exemplify this throughout the summer as they supported Habitat for Humanity. In addition to volunteering on work sites, congregation members help provide snacks for work crews. While crews enjoy the snack break everyone has an opportunity to share Habitat experiences and information. They also organized our summer family & volunteer picnic.

Recently, congregations have accomplished the following:

• Hinesburg Community Alliance Church included Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity in their June Mission Fair.
• The Charlotte Congregational Church presented a display board about GMHfH at their community celebrations. 

 
Meghan McKenna, Katie Parker, and Lori McKenna display Habitat Information at Hinesburg's July 4th celebration.
 

• Charlie Magill has been invited to speak to several congregations about Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife, Ruth, have had many years of experience with Habitat in Vermont, across the nation, and in several Latin American countries.
• Several youth groups are planning September & October Habitat Car Washes.

Congregation Relations Committee contact: Clair Aimi, clairaimi@gmail.com, tel. 862-3014.
 

Don Schultz explains the Habitat mission to a resident at the Charlotte Town Party in July.


Alternative Giving So Many Ways to Help

Many of our volunteers and donors are seeking ways to participate and give to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, although unable to participate in a house build.

Thereareamyriadofoptionsavailable, for those wishing to volunteer their time and effort as well as make a financially based donation.

Here are some ideas:

Volunteer:

• Write an article for newsletter or website.
• Help organize a GMHfH event.
• Join one of the many important committees that make GMHfH function smoothly.
• Write a Grant. Graphic Design.
• Bring snacks to a work site for the crew. Help clean up a new home before the dedication.
• Help label and stuff for a donor mailing.

Help Out Financially:

• Include GMHfH in your will or life insurance policy.
• Donate your used car through Cars For Homes.
• Request well wishers donate to GMHfH in lieu of gifts for your special event.
• Donate your employees time to work days.

Gifts in Kind

• Gently used building materials or household furniture.

Questions? Contact : info@greenmountainhfh.org




PO Box 381 Burlington, VT 05402