We are just a few weeks away from finishing our eleven condominium-style homes in Glendale -- finally!  With the magnitude in both size and complexity of the build as well as the handicap-accessibility modifications we have made to accommodate two of our families, this build has taken our affiliate two and a half years to complete.  The eleven families have been patiently waiting for the time they can move in and begin the next chapter of their lives as homeowners.

This month's focus verse comes from the response I've received from supporters since last month's Building on Faith newsletter -- an incredibly refreshing and inspiring sense of community.

At last month's quarterly Faith Relations Committee meeting, I shared some of the struggles and setbacks our affiliate has been facing, especially with a temporary staff shortage.  We discussed ways to relieve the workload through further engagement of our volunteers, with members offering pragmatic ideas and services.

Earlier this month, I was invited to attend the baptism of the youngest daughter of Saundra Crockett, one of our soon-to-be homeowners at Kenwood.  For any of you who know Saundra, you know that she is one of the most welcoming, warm and encouraging people whose life is a testament to God's healing love and grace.  The mere fact that I was invited to be a part of a very important, intimate time in their family's life made a huge impression on me.

Looking around at the supporters and families we work with -- from our committee members to our new (and existing) homeowners to our long-time volunteers -- Habitat truly does build more than physical houses ... it builds permanent communities for all of us to thrive.

Thank you for being such a supportive part of our community, and I look forward to seeing how our relationships will continue to grow.
 

Saturday, June 5 at 11am is our scheduled dedication for our eleven homes located at 711-717 North Kenwood Street in Glendale!  Please join us!

• We recently lost one of our most beloved volunteers this past weekend -- Alan, who volunteered several days a week at our ReStore; please pray for his family and friends as they struggle with an unexpected and tragic loss
• Please also pray for two of our homeowner families, both of whom have recently lost their respective fathers/grandfathers, also unexpectedly
• We've officially hired two new office employees to help with our big projects!  More info to come...
• Thanks to the hard work, dedication and sacrifice Reverend Gregory Douglass, pastor at Monrovia United Methodist Church, has given to his community for so many years -- he will be leaving Monrovia (and Habitat's Faith Relations Committee!) to lead two churches in Orange County.  Peace and blessing to you, dear friend!
• Please pray for a smooth transition for our Kenwood families as they prepare to move into their homes!
• We are still in DESPERATE need of weekday volunteers at our Kenwood site, especially Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays