Volunteer Appreciation

Store Volunteer Profile • Spring Events • Group Builds • AAUW Tours • Rhody Parade

 

April 2024 News

Volunteer Appreciation  •  Spring Events & Group Builds  •  AAUW Tours •  Store Volunteer Profile  • Rhody Parade

Volunteer Appreciation

Thank You Volunteers!

Next week is National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, 2024, a special time for Habitat EJC to express our heartfelt appreciation to all our volunteers and highlight the profound difference they make as individuals in our organization and community, as they unite for a common cause. We celebrate their dedication, generosity, and selflessness, which are the pillars of our mission and extend our sincerest gratitude to every volunteer who has contributed their time and effort to building homes and transforming lives.

Welcome Care-a-vanners

We’re thrilled to extend our warmest greetings to the seven groups of dedicated volunteers joining us here at Habitat EJC in 2024. Their commitment to service and willingness to travel to support our mission of building homes, communities, and hope is truly inspiring. Care-a-vanners bring not only skills and experience, but also their spirit of camaraderie and compassion, enriching the lives of local families through hard work and dedication. If you meet a Care-a-vanner around town, please thank them for choosing to spend their time and talents with us. We’re looking forward to increased building capacity in the days ahead. Welcome to our Habitat family! Learn more about the amazing RV Care-a-vanner program here.

Thank You PT Elks Club

Habitat extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Port Townsend Elks Club for their invaluable help in arranging camping accommodation for our traveling volunteers. Their generosity and support ensure that the Care-a-vanners will have a comfortable and welcoming place to rest after their days of service. Together, with the support of partners like the Port Townsend Elks Club and local volunteers, we can continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of families throughout East Jefferson County.

Spring Events & Group Builds

Women Build

Women are at the forefront of Habitat’s mission, with more than 60% of partner households led by women and over half of the volunteer labor provided by women. Habitat EJC celebrates this crucial contribution through Women Builds, highlighting the importance of women in affordable housing with an opportunity to learn, have fun, and make a meaningful difference. These events empower participants, creating community, space for personal growth, skill development, and lasting connections. Join us at Habitat EJC from May 30 through June 1; half-days are available. For more information and to register, click here.

Pride Build

Our annual Pride Builds are cornerstone events for members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and organizations to support Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope. Pride Builds strengthen our commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment as we raise awareness of the transformative power of affordable housing in people’s lives. We’re thrilled to announce that Habitat EJC is gearing up for two Pride Builds this year and we invite everyone to come together, build homes, and cultivate hope. Please join us for the first event on Saturday, May 11! For more information and to register, click here.

Earth Day Refresh

Join us for an Earth Day Refresh at the Habitat Store grounds April 20 from 9 am to 12 noon! Let’s come together to make our community greener and cleaner by tackling tasks like litter patrol, weeding, planting, and power washing to rejuvenate the surrounding area. Participants aged 14 and above are welcome, with those under 18 requiring parent participation. All supplies will be provided, and there will be snacks and beverages to keep us energized throughout the three-hour event and we’ll close with a pizza party celebration (which still leaves plenty of time for you to still relax on this Spring Saturday afternoon). Let’s celebrate Earth Day together!

Get the details and register here, we can’t wait to see you there!

Irondale Groundbreaking Ceremony

Habitat is pleased to announce that we are starting construction on two new homes in Irondale! Please join us on Wednesday, May, 1st at 2 PM for this wonderful community groundbreaking ceremony at 150 and 160 E. Eugene Street, Port Hadlock-Irondale. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating this exciting new build together!

Get the details here and we’ll see you there!

AAUW Tours

Virtual Kitchen Tours – April 24-30

Home Tours – April 27

The AAUW Home & Kitchen Tour is back and better than ever this year! With in-person and virtual tours, you can choose how to join the journey through Jefferson County homes, featuring NetZero energy solutions and innovative aging in place concepts. Join the tour and check out our featured video, highlighting the impactful work we do together at Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County!

Mark your calendars and get ready for this unforgettable experience. Whether you’re passionate about home design, sustainability, Habitat, or simply love exploring beautiful spaces, the AAUW Home & Kitchen Tour has something for everyone. Register here and we’ll see you there!

Store Volunteer Profile

Finding Love and Purpose: Ron Winger

At the age of 83, Ron Winger embarked on a journey that not only filled his days with purpose but also led him to find love and a vibrant community at the Habitat Store. Ron’s story is one of resilience, love, and the beauty of giving back.

Ron’s admiration for the work of Habitat for Humanity was longstanding. He had harbored a desire to volunteer with the organization for half his life, inspired in part by his deep respect for former President Jimmy Carter and the incredible initiatives undertaken by Habitat. However, life’s demands kept him from pursuing this dream until circumstances changed.

Four and a half years ago, Ron experienced the loss of his beloved wife. Left feeling lonely and in need of companionship, he sought solace and connection. During this time, he finally made his way to Habitat, drawn by the promise of a welcoming community and the opportunity to contribute to a cause he held dear. Read Ron’s life-changing story here.

Port Townsend Rhody Parade

Saturday, May 18, 2024

The Port Townsend Rhody Parade is a beloved annual community event that celebrates the beauty of rhododendrons in full bloom. Spectators line the streets to enjoy colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups as they parade through uptown and downtown Port Townsend. It’s a cherished tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike to revel in the spirit of community and springtime joy.

Once again, Habitat EJC will join in the fun! Would you like to march with us in the Rhody Parade this year, or wave and cheer on your fellow Habitat supporters? All are welcome to join—volunteers, supporters, and general well-wishers. Please let us know that you’ll be joining us so that we have enough shirts and water for everyone. Please register to participate by here.

Get Involved 

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Get In Touch

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey and for sharing in our vision of building a better and more inclusive place for everyone. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and create a community that thrives on compassion, support, and unity.

For updates on Habitat building progress, events, volunteering and more, sign up for our newsletter here.

If you have questions, please reach out using the phone and email address at the bottom of this page and we look forward to seeing you soon!