April 17, 2020--Every single family and business in our service area is affected by this health and economic crisis, so we wanted to take a minute to let you know what we’re doing to help our partner families and our community as a whole, as well as keep you updated on how our affiliate and ReStores are doing during this challenging season.
One way we’re helping our community is by connecting families with crucial resources. We compiled a list of resources for families in our coverage area, including where to find meal assistance, who to call if you have a mental health or domestic issue during the “stay at home” order, where to find information about unemployment benefits if you lost your job because of COVID-19, and many other helpful links. You can view this list HERE. We will continue to update it, as needed.
If a partner family is unable to pay their mortgage because they are now unemployed as a result of state or federally-mandated business closings, we have a new policy in place to help. Letters have been sent to all NWV Habitat partner families.
Even though our ReStores are closed to the public until further notice, we can help connect families with essential items from the store (on a case-to-case basis) while adhering to social/physical distancing orders. To learn more, click HERE.
All construction activities are on hold until further notice. That means no progress is being made on our current partner family’s home. The Ortega family has been patient and understanding throughout this entire process. Plans were delayed initially because of an unforeseen issue in the planning process (that we have been working diligently to resolve) and now construction is further delayed due to the pandemic. With your help, we can get back on track, when it’s safe to do so, and get their home completed as soon as possible. Scroll down to read a sweet handwritten letter from one of the Ortega children.
All staff members are employed during this difficult time and we’re doing everything we can to keep it that way. Our administration office in Mt. Angel and our ReStores in Canby and Woodburn are closed to the public until further notice. Staff members will continue to work from home until it’s safe to return. Click HERE to watch a video update from ReStore Assistant Manager Bethany Wilt.
We are cancelling our summer beer passport fundraiser this year because we know that all small businesses, including the restaurants and breweries that partner with us on this fundraiser, are struggling right now and would likely be unable to participate. We will continue to promote those businesses and encourage the community to support them via the purchase of gift cards and/or takeout meals.
With both ReStores closed, a major fundraiser cancelled and some partner families potentially unable to pay their mortgages during this challenging time, we are anticipating a funding gap of about $70,000 a month. We need your support to stay on track to build the Ortega family’s home this summer. That is our top priority.
If you are able to contribute financially, please consider making a donation to help sustain NWV Habitat. At this point, there’s no way to know when the virus will be under control or when the economy will begin to rebound. One thing we do know is that the aftermath will likely create more need for affordable housing, making the work that we do even more crucial and timely than ever. Thank you for your consideration.
Take care and stay healthy,
Kari Johnsen
Executive Director