Throughout Habitat's history, our work has been a vehicle for reconciliation that has broken down barriers between people. We work alongside those willing to partner with us, no matter their background or walk of life, and that will always be true.

We will continue to build with our hammers, build connections among community members; and build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

At the same time, we must also do a better job of directly addressing systemic barriers to affordable housing, and we must work to eradicate those barriers.

Historic discrimination in U.S. housing policy — particularly discrimination against Black Americans, and including mortgage redlining in Rochester — is one of the chief drivers of racial inequities that still persist today.

Organizations like Habitat that work on housing must understand that history, understand that its legacy still affects our neighbors and neighborhoods today, and it must inform our work moving forward.

At the link below you will find further details of Habitat for Humanity's commitments, including steps that are being undertaken now, a great list of actions that you can take with us, and a list of educational materials (to read or watch).

We know we can't do everything on these lists all at once; but as individual staff members, volunteers, and supporters — we can each commit to starting with one. Start with one action today.

As a local Habitat affiliate, we are also committing to walking alongside and supporting each other as we undertake this essential work.
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We will occasionally send bigger updates to everyone (like this one), but if you would like to receive more frequent, step-by-step updates about our advocacy, education, and social justice work, please update your email preferences here.

A letter from CEO, Matt Flanigan:
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​Today I share the news that Kelly Glover, our Flower City Habitat for Humanity CFO, has been offered a new challenge at another organization; a challenge she has accepted. Kelly will remain with us through November and begin her tenure as CFO at The Center for Governmental Research (CGR) in December.

Kelly has served the mission and families of FCHH with heart and grace since 2005 when she joined the staff as “Housing Services Manager”. In 2008, she ascended to the position of CFO, a role in which she has guided the financial health of our organization through her diligence and keen insights. 

When I began my tenure with FCHH, I would quite often find myself in her office not only for help in understanding our complex financials (which remains the case to this day!) but also understanding the fabric and true underpinnings of this wonderful ministry’s culture and presence in our community.  In the past few years, Kelly has grown her role as CFO, added HR responsibilities and has been an important voice on our management team. Her presence in the creation of our annual budget, and its ongoing stewarding is one of the strong passions and talents that she shares so freely!   

In addition, if you’ve been to a house dedication, fundraising event or a luncheon of late, chances are you experience Kelly as the one whom we often turn to for leading our grace, as she welcomes us into her personal conversation with her loving God. There is no doubt that her quiet faith has brought blessings to many individuals as well as this organization as a whole.

Moving forward, our transition plan is in place and as we begin to implement, please forward any and all questions regarding finance to Sue Feuerherm and I.
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While I am sad on a personal level to lose Kelly and her presence on our team, I am thrilled for her as I know she will adeptly rise to the challenges and exciting new opportunities that will be presented as she assumes this new role. I have no doubt she will positively impact CGR as she has Flower City Habitat.  

Matthew J. Flanigan, MPA
President & CEO
Flower City Habitat for Humanity

​We lost a dear friend but we are also truly celebrating the life of Ann Woolston. Ann had an impressive career of service in Washington DC, then selflessly returned home to Honeoye Falls to care for her mother, and continued her giving by spending her last five years volunteering in our office three days a week.

Below is the just part of Ann's eulogy that was written by her dear friend Tom Rosshirt. They are profound, thought provoking words which were so beautifully put together out of love for Ann.

"That, in the end, was Ann’s highest purpose and passion – creating a beloved community where everyone knows everyone, everyone loves everyone, and we all come together in communion. That’s when Ann was most fulfilled. That’s when we could see her shining with happiness – when she was able to create a joyous gathering of happy souls.

So Ann should feel at home in her new home – because the purpose of heaven is joyous reunion, and the purpose of Ann’s life was creating heaven on earth.

She has found her full measure of happiness now. But what about us? It’s hard not to feel diminished with her absence. If the sum of our power is the number of people in our lives who love us, who encourage us, who believe in us and will fight for us, then all of us here are less powerful today – because we all lost someone who would do anything for us.

Unless – somehow – the change that’s taken place upon Ann’s leaving the earth doesn’t diminish us, but enhances us.

Ann has always helped us by asking for favors from friends in high places. But she’s never before risen this high!

So we might see more blessings coming to us, moments of grace we can’t explain -- the chance meetings, the precious surprises, the unexpected gifts that come into our lives. They may be more numerous than before. She has always used her connections to help us -- and now she is connected to the source of all kindness.

Her giving won’t end with her dying. It will go on. It will rise up. She will do more than before. Ann is relentless. She is irrepressible. Her affection, her loyalty, her dedication, her devotion are undying. She is not done loving us."

We love you Ann! ❤️❤️❤️