History
In the spring of 1997, a group of concerned people gathered together to explore the possibility of organizing an Affiliate Habitat for Humanity in Warren County. After completing a housing needs assessment and determining that there was a need for affordable housing, the group moved to form a Steering Committee and applied for prospective affiliate status. Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) granted that status to Warren County in February 1998. The next step was to complete an extensive application process for full affiliate status. Many people were involved in the 18 month process to complete the application. On August 1, 1999, Warren County Habitat for Humanity (WCHFH) received its affiliate status. WCHFH is now officially responsible for all aspects of Habitat home building in Warren County, including fund-raising, site selection, family selection and support, construction and mortgage servicing.
What is Habitat for Humanity?
A non-profit, ecumenical housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing as well as homelessness, and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all faiths and backgrounds to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need. The philosophy of Habitat is one of lending a helping hand rather than giving a handout.
How Does it Work?
The work of Habitat is accomplished by the Affiliates (independent non-profit corporations) that operate within a specific service area and within a framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant. Affiliates are local grassroots organizations: concerned citizens that come together to address the problem of poverty housing in their community. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, the local affiliate builds or rehabilitates simple, decent housing with the help of prospective homeowner families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeownersâ monthly mortgage payments are recycled into a revolving fund that is used to continue Habitatâs work. Homeowners invest hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" into building their house and the houses of others. This labor by potential owners reduces the monetary cost of the house, increases the personal stake of the family members in their home, and fosters the development of the true community.
Relationship with Habitat For Humanity International
The Warren County Habitat for Humanity has a partnership with HFHI. As a local affiliate that knows and understands the needs of the area, houses will be built and renovated. HFHI will support those efforts by acting as an organizational resource. WCHFH tithes (10%) of its unrestricted donations to HFHI to help build houses in other countries.
Board of Directors
John Rolak - President
Donna Detrick - Vice President / Family Support Chair
Tom Grieser - CFO
Patricia Swayne - Secretary
Angelo Bolcato - Legal Counsel / Site Selection Committee Chair
David Detrick - Building Site Supervisor
Susan Nardozza - Public Relations Chair
Sunnie Regalado - Volunteer Committee Chair
Patti Sue Rolak - Family Selection Committee Chair
Priscilla Ronzitti - THRIVENT Committee Chair
Darleen Schott - Church Relations Committee Chair
Trudy Seeley - Building Committee Chair
Eric Wegner - Business Relations Committee Chair
Affiliate Coordinators
Dianne Borgeson - Volunteer Coordinator
Vic Bozzuffi - Construction Supervisor
MaryAnne Citro - Lunches Coordinator
Christine Detrick – Webmaster
Karen Hillyer - Grant Committee Coodinator / Thrift Store Manager
Mary Trubek - Architect
Staff
Donna Hrobak - Office Manager