The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Habitat for Humanity honored their hardworking volunteers at the 14th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue in Village Green Park on Wednesday, August 17.

Sisters Habitat boasts nearly 200 volunteers, who serve in many capacities from board and committee members to homebuilders and Thrift and ReStore workers. Collectively in the past year, Sisters Habitat volunteers served over 24,500 hours —averaging 471 hours per week.

Presidential Volunteer Service Awards were presented to a total of 99 volunteers, for volunteer hours in excess of 100 hours during the last fiscal year. There were eight new members of the 1,000 Hour Club and one Lifetime Award recipient this year. The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jan Baldwin. Ms. Baldwin has exceeded 4,000 hours of volunteer service since the early 1990s (see story, page 1).

In the fiscal year, Sisters Habitat stores raised over $445,000. Volunteers built four new homes and refurbished one, fulfilling the dream of homeownership for five families. Two of the homes were built by Heart of Oregon Corps – Youth Build. Habitat volunteers also completed four home repair projects. All of this was done despite supply chain challenges, and an increase in lumber costs.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director Sharlene Weed said: “Thank you for another successful year, building homes, community, and hope. You are Habitat heroes! You make dreams come true! Your commitment and dedication to build good housing for our neighbors who need it is inspiring. It is critical work at a time when housing — especially home ownership — is out of reach for most of us.”

Sisters Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1991, providing homeownership for 76 families to date. Those who are interested in volunteering should call the office at 541-549-1193 or email [email protected]

sistershabitat.org.