Mark October 3 - World Habitat Day - for the dedication of the seven homes built in the 2011 Collegiate Challenge. At the same time we will dedicate the pocket park built by BB&T Bank for the benefit of Habitat homeowners and the Eastview neighborhood.  The ceremony will begin at 4:00 at the park on Mason Street.  Look for a great article in October's HER Magazine about one of our newest Habitat homeowners and discover what owning a Habitat homes means to her.

Today I received my first building permits.  I was challenged to get the permits in three or less visits to the planning department which issues the permits. I am pleased to report I was successful on one visit only! Let the building begin!

On July 7th Columbus will add seven new homeowners to its city.  Our seven families have worked hard to complete their homes begun during the Collegiate Challenge building blitz in March.  We meet two weeks ago and I could feel and see the excitement of these families.  They are ready to have a place to call home and HFH is ready to make them homeowners.  Thanks for all who have made this moment possible.

Thank you Columbus for a great turnout for our first ever Yard Sale. We made over $3600. These funds will allow us to complete the seven homes built during the Collegiate Challenge 2011.  We still have some items left and will move those to the store for sale. Check out our goodies!

The seven homes built during the Collegiate Challenge are almost  complete. Yesterday TARGET volunteered for the day. Thank you TARGET! Designated  homeowners were given the opportunity to choose an exterior color pallet for a  home. One potential homeowner choose a vibrant blue and, trust me, it is  beautiful.  I will try and post a picture under the Projects tab!

Thank you United Way volunteer youth for your hard work today at the ReStore.  We loved having you and hope that you will come back soon. Don't forget about Renovation Station when you have simple home repairs, need a NEW appliance or want ideas for home improvement. All sales go directly to construction of homes for families in need in our community.

Last year, during the fall, Brookstone School sponsored and built a home for Gussie and her mother.  This home is located near the Habitat office and Gussie has become my very good and dear friend.  On Thursday, April 21 Brookstone and Habitat will dedicate this home to God and to the family that now calls this home.  This will be my first dedication and I am excited about what this means to Habitat and to Gussie's family and friends. What a joyful day this will be.

I miss the cacophonic sounds of the hammers as lives are changed in Columbus.  It was an incredible two weeks. Most things went smoothly; some not so smooth.  In the end, we have seven dried-in houses, 212 tired but uplifted college students and supporters; countless volunteers from our community and beyond; and a renewed spirit that just one nail at a time we can make a difference in our world.  Thank you to all for coming to Columbus and sharing your lives with ours. Thank you Columbus for opening your hearts, facilities, resources, and time to helping make this Collegiate Challenge one to remember. Next year, same time, same place – more houses!

It was a great week in Columbus.  We were able to dry-in six homes and have some fun as well. Thank you for coming to Columbus and I look to see you all here next year:  Ashland, Ethel Walker,  Pittsburgh, Sacred Heart, ISU and CSU.  Here is a link to the newspaper article that was in Saturday's paper. I am working on a video that I will post on YouTube!  It was an awesome week!

Thank you to the Pilgrimage Band for wonderful tunes while we ate the food lovingly prepared by St. Paul UMC as we opened Challenge Week in Columbus.  Tomorrow will be bright, sunny and cool - a perfect day for putting up walls!  I have been worried about the details but I have quickly realized that Ashland, ISU, Pittsburgh, Ethel Walker, Sacred Heart and CSU are here to build houses and that we will do!  This will be a week to remember!  The staff at Habitat has been truly inspirational and committed to what we are about.  This is going to be a terrific week - full of fun, promise and hope.  We are building on Bragg Smith Street in Columbus.  Come and see us work!