Habitat partner families pay lower mortgage payments (for a quality home that they own), than they were paying in rent for substandard housing. That swing of often saving hundreds of dollars every month and starting to build equity has always been a critical piece of Habitat for Humanity's home-ownership program.

Where for many “stay at home” means figuring out logistics and adjusting mindsets, for others it only exacerbates the conditions with which they have struggled for so long. Affordable and stable housing continues to be a foundation for us all to build our lives on, and as long as we are able to do so safely, we will continue to build.

Construction has been deemed essential by New York State, so our construction is continuing with staff only (no volunteers) and maximum health and safety precautions.

Our construction supervisors are working with maximum social distancing (usually on different houses) to finish five nearly-complete new builds and two remodels.

On Tuesday we worked on driveways on the Holworthy Street new builds and finishing touches on an Orange Street remodel. These homes are near completion and we will be working with each family on an individual plan regarding safety, logistics, and timing of move-ins.

[Updated Oct 21, 2020 - Most recent updates in bold]

Flower City Habitat for Humanity family and friends,

Below is a brief "status of operations" by department. A more detailed letter from our CEO is also available here (sent on May 11).

Office & Family Services:

• Our office is currently closed to the public
• All staff who can are working from home
• Please see our staff directory and prioritize email or cell phone over calling the office
• Habitat Partner Families: Please review our updated payment policies
• Due to the COVID-19 construction slowdown, we are pausing applications for our homebuyer program until further notice. Please check back periodically for future updates.
• We continue to work with families that are currently in our homebuyer program, supporting their ongoing journey towards homeownership.
• We are also staying in touch with every family in a Habitat home to make sure they’re safe, making sure that they know we are here to support them through adjusted payment policies, and making referrals for additional support that is available in the community

Construction:

• Construction is underway on two new builds (423 Jay Street and 395 Campbell Street) and the rehabilitation of two vacant-rehabs (77 Melville Street and 35 Copeland Street)
• Limited construction volunteering is now underway with required volunteer agreement
• Excellus BCBS volunteers must also agree to the Excellus volunteer consent form
• Covid-19 safety measures include: NYS construction guidelines and FCHH additional guidelines (please review both)
• If you have questions about construction volunteering, email gshriver@rochesterhabitat.org

Events, Fundraising, & Non-Construction Volunteering:

• Our Hearts & Hammers volunteer celebration and holiday gathering has been rescheduled to December 10, 2020 and will be a virtual event
• We recommend that volunteer committees continue meeting via remote technology
• We have a business Zoom account that can be used for Habitat volunteer groups, email kbraley@rochesterhabitat.org if you would like to schedule a meeting
• Fundraising efforts will continue, with an acknowledgement of the current situation, as the need for our services remains great
• One way you can help us be most prepared to relaunch is to update your email preferences (here) and your volunteer information and interests (here)

ReStore:

• Both ReStore locations are now open. Click here for details on what to expect (including new hours).
• We are now making appointments for donation pick-ups. Please email us at restore@rochesterhabitat.org for scheduling. (We are not equipped to have you drop donations off at either of our stores at this time.)
• Online shopping with no-contact or delayed pick-ups are still available
• If you have an emergency need for an oven, microwave, or refrigerator please text or leave a voicemail at 585-490-1363, or email restore@rochesterhabitat.org ​

Where there was once five empty lots, there are now five nearly completed homes!

Five home dedication ceremonies have been scheduled:

• March 24: Dedication of 874 Smith Street (3pm, RSVP here)
• March 28: Dedication of 96 Holworthy Street (10am, RSVP here)
• April 4: Dedication of 120 Holworthy Street (10am, RSVP here)
• April 18: Dedication of 105 Holworthy Street (10am, RSVP here)
• April 18: Dedication of 126 Holworthy Street (1pm, RSVP here)

If you helped fund or build any of these houses, or are a regular Habitat supporter, we welcome you to join us in the transition of these construction sites into Habitat homes!

On the volunteering side, there is still some work left to do and we have opened several house sponsor and public volunteer shifts leading up to the dedications. Take a look at the whiteboard to see what to expect and email us if you have any questions!