Even though we are not building a house this year, Jubilee Habitat for Humanity volunteers still have been busy. (If you or someone you know could benefit from owning a Habitat house, check out our web page for info.)
Our construction volunteers have been helping with the reassembly of the bandstand at the Prairieland Heritage Museum. The bandstand, which was taken to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. as the perfect example of Midwestern culture, was returned to Jacksonville after it was no longer needed for display on the national mall. The dedication ceremony will be from 9:15-10:45 am Saturday 24 September during the Steam Show & Fall Festival Days (the show runs from Friday the 23rd to Sunday the 25th).
Our board members are also helping to promote the Heather Williams concert to benefit the New Directions homeless shelter. The Christian recording artist will perform Saturday 1 October at Grace United Methodist Church. Tour the warming/cooling center for the homeless at 5 pm, opening act at 6 pm with Heather Williams at 7 pm. Tickets are $10, call 217.371.1246 or go to Melissa at Midwest Youth Services, 2001 W. Lafayette in Jacksonville. Download flyer for more info – please post to help promote the event.
We were not able to find a partner family to build a home with in 2011. Right now we are working with several potential homeowners, none have reached the stage where they are ready for a Habitat home. Most people who contact us are not a good fit for home ownership, but our goal is the application process will aid them in fixing their finances and reducing their debt to put them in a better position for tomorrow. We do not “give” house away — homeowners pay back the costs of construction with an interest-free loan. We work to avoid putting someone in a home they will not be able to afford to maintain, to pay utilities, etc. Thanks to all those who support Jubilee Habitat for Humanity! We are working hard to be good stewards of your donations as we work to end poverty housing.
