Stand up for 1 billion people around the world

More than 1 billion people live in slums. That's a heartbreaking figure. With our world's population continually growing this number is increasing at an alarming rate. 

Habitat for Humanity is taking a key role in making sure our government and elected officials address the issue of inadequate shelter. As our government continues to debate our current debt situation we hope you will join Habitat for Humanity International in urging your member of Congress to support The Shelter, Land, and Urban Management (SLUM) Act of 2011. According to Habitat for Humanity Int'l: "This legislation will make sure that U.S. foreign assistance uses taxpayer money smartly to address the reality of housing in our urbanizing world." 

Here's a sample of the message that can be sent to your member of Congress from Habitat For Humanity International's Advocacy page:

Message

Support the SLUM Act: A smarter solution to a global problem
Dear [Decision Maker],


As a supporter of Habitat for Humanity I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor The Shelter, Land and Urban Management (SLUM) Assistance Act of 2011.

U.S. foreign assistance programs account for about one percent of the total U.S. budget. Although current budget pressures demand that we use our resources wisely and effectively, the lack of a coherent U.S. policy addressing the growing challenges of global urbanization are undermining critical investments in health care, education, and disaster recovery in developing countries.

Conditions associated with slums are abysmal. Inadequate shelter, overcrowding, lack of water and basic sanitation, widespread disease, poor air quality, and higher risk of violence plague the lives of slum dwellers. Rapid urbanization and the growth of slums could lead to water scarcity, food insecurity, environmental degradation, increased instability within developing countries, and long-term financial and national security burdens on the United States. The challenge is only getting greater, with 1 billion slum dwellers today and expectations that this number will grow to 2 billion by 2030.

The United States was once an international leader in promoting policies and investments that improved the lives of slum dwellers. However, in recent years the capacity within our civilian agencies to address urban development challenges has diminished significantly.

The SLUM Assistance Act will establish sustainable urban development and management as a major objective of U.S. foreign assistance and reinvigorate programs that increase access to tenure security, basic shelter, and urban services and infrastructure. It will also promote the growth of functional housing markets and support reforms that seek to enhance the rights and access to shelter for those disproportionally discriminated against, including women, children and the urban poor.

Please support the SLUM Assistance Act of 2011 and thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

More space for donated building material

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Goleta raises funds to help Habitat build affordable homes in the Santa Barbara areas. And,  it keeps usable materials out of the waste stream and into home building, remodeling and creative arts projects. Recently the ReStore expanded and here are the pictures to prove it!

A view of the new warehouse and signs identifying the different sections.

 

The tile section neatly organized with tons of merchandise.

The appliance section.

A view of the bathtub display.

Joel and Jeff, always prepared with a tape measure!

ReStore expansion party!

Last Saturday we had a wonderful BBQ and party at the ReStore. The occasion was to celebrate the expansion of the ReStore by 5,000 square feet and to thank our wonderful volunteers and shoppers who made it all possible. Thanks to all those that came by and joined us in the celebration!

Volunteers and staff celebrating Dennis' 500 volunteer hours in the Habitat ReStore!

Shoppers enjoyed music from the Adam Phillips band.

Hungry shoppers crowded around the BBQ

ReStore manager Ruairi with his young Laker's fan!

Dan and Gary taking a break from volunteering

New discounted items for sale at the ReStore

ReStore Inventory, a set on Flickr.

In advance of tomorrow's sale at the ReStore, we've added photos of the new merchandise. Come see it for yourself tomorrow from 9am to 5pm and enjoy 10% off!

Welcoming Habitat's New Program Coordinator

Late last month we welcomed a new program and volunteer coordinator to the Habitat family. Jett is a great addition to the team and has already hit the ground running getting volunteers sign-up and confirmed. We gave Jett a few big challenges right off the bat including securing volunteers for our ReStore expansion BBQ on Saturday, July 9th as well as lining up volunteers to help on Tuesdays. Our ReStore will now be open on Tuesdays starting next week and that means we need the volunteers to help man the store. Thankfully Jett likes a challenge. 

If you're interested in volunteering with Habitat NOW IS THE TIME! The ReStore needs volunteers Tuesday - Saturdays. If you haven't volunteered with Habitat in the past we will be holding a volunteer orientation on Saturday July 9th at 11am in the ReStore.

And if you'd rather take the orientation online, that's possible too. Simply visit our website here and register to volunteer. 

We hope to see you soon!

Creative reuse ideas from the ReStore

We love creative ways to reuse and re-purpose old building materials, and what better way then to see them turned into beautiful flower displays! 

Candace, one of our most dedicated ReStore volunteers, made these beautiful flower displays out of an old mailbox, a sink, cabinets, and even vent material! We've seen some creative reuse projects but these take the cake.

Do you have any creative reuse projects? We'd love to hear about them and feature them here on the blog!