Coronavirus Update

Broad-view operational status

[Updated June 3, 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, all volunteers are 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
• We continue to work with families that are 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:

• All in-person volunteering is suspended until further notice, a survey was sent on June 2 to our weekly Hammer & Saw volunteers to prepare for their return (if you didn't get it, email kbraley@rochesterhabitat.org)
• We are now finalizing our Covid-19 safety measures for the next round of construction. NYS construction guidelines can be reviewed here. We will be following these guidelines and will be sharing additional specific procedures with our regular volunteers shortly.
• Bulk personal protective equipment has been ordered and most has been received
• Move-ins have been completed on all four Holworthy Street new builds as well as the Orange Street, and Breck Street remodels, with some exterior work to be completed in the coming weeks
• Construction on Cuba Place and Smith Street are slowly moving forward with minimal personnel and maximum safety precautions

Events, Fundraising, & Volunteering:

• All in-person volunteering and in-person events are suspended until further notice
• Our annual Gala will now be a 4-day virtual experience (new details announced June 3)
• Our Hearts & Hammers volunteer celebration and holiday gathering has been rescheduled to December 3, 2020
• We recommend volunteer committees and groups to meet only via remote technology, until further notice
• 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:

• Our ReStores will be reopening soon. Click here for details on what to expect.
• If you made a purchase before we closed and have not picked it up, it will be held for you until after we reopen
• Donation pick-ups and drop-offs are also suspended temporarily, but please take note of items that you would like to donate to ReStore so that we are fully stocked upon reopening
• Online shopping with no-contact or delayed pick-ups are now 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 ​

Stay Informed: Update Your Email Preferences Here