Coronavirus Update

A message from our CEO

[Updated March 20, 7:00pm]

Dear valued Flower City Habitat for Humanity family and friends,

First and foremost, our hearts go out to those directly impacted by COVID-19 here in Monroe County and around the globe. The situation continues to evolve quickly, and I want to assure you that the health and safety of our volunteers, homeowners, donors, partners and staff are of the utmost importance.

We continue to monitor recommendations from health officials at: 

• Center For Disease Control
• New York State Department of Health
• Monroe County Health Department​
• New York State Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline: 1-888-364-3065

In addition to previously mentioned precautions, we are also now taking the following steps to protect the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, supporters, and the families and individuals we serve.

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

Construction:

• Construction has been deemed essential by New York State
• Our construction is currently 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 the five nearly-complete new builds and two remodels
• Excavation for the Spring 2020 new builds has been postponed until further notice
• We are working with local officials to donate our stock of protective masks and goggles to local hospitals

Events & Volunteering:

• All in-person volunteering is suspended until further notice
• We recommend volunteer committees and groups to meet only via remote technology, until further notice
• All events (including dedications) through April 30 have been postponed, and are in the process of being rescheduled
• Our annual Gala has been rescheduled to June 26, 2020
• Our Hearts & Hammers volunteer celebration and holiday gathering has been rescheduled to December 3, 2020

ReStore:

• As of Friday, March 20 at 5pm, both ReStore locations are closing temporarily, until further notice
• Donation pick-ups and drop-offs are suspended temporarily, until further notice
• If you have an emergency need for an oven, microwave, or refrigerator please email us at restore@rochesterhabitat.org

While we find these times incredibly challenging and the hurdles are daunting, we also find reason for hope. I feel in my heart and soul that we will get through this, we will rise to the challenge, and we are prepared to meet what will be an even greater need for affordable housing in our community.

I believe we will do so by remaining tied to our core values and by supporting each other. Thank you for your continued support as we work together for the health of our community.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Flanigan
CEO, Flower City Habitat for Humanity