Habitat often coins the term "building on faith" when talking about constructing homes with various congregations or groups.  Montgomery County is no exception, with three of its last four construction projects being sponsored by faith communities.  In addition, we use it when speaking about the hundreds of volunteers from churches and synagogues that support our work throughout the year with volunteers, special collections and prayer.     

 

Lately though, I have been thinking about the term a bit more broadly.  It is not just a phrase we use to speak about our congregational relations, or the number of faith communities who come out to build with us.  Faith, you see, is the root of our entire operation.  From our supporters who have faith in the fact that we will be responsible with their investments, to the volunteers who put their faith in us to keep them safe, to the homeowners who have faith that we will provide them with a safe, decent place to live, to the County's faith that we will build communities responsibly that will serve their neighbors well - faith is our core tenant. 

 

This year our faith has been challenged.  From the ReStore false starts to the cancellation of the 20th anniversary party, to the bigger impact of the economic squeeze - we have been tested. 

 

As a member of the clergy, I know when your faith is challenged, it is a time of great growth - Habitat is no exception. From these tests, we have looked critically at our organization, its structure, its strengths and its weaknesses and what we have come to realize is this - although challenging, our work is good. It provides a much-needed service for the families who become homeowners, stability for their children, and it brings communities together.  With our faith being tested, we have been given a great gift - the affirmation that Habitat is a strong, vital part of Montgomery County and without it, many families would not be where they are today.

 

How do I know this?  Faith.  Also, we asked our families what they thought of Habitat a few months ago. Many of them shared their thoughts about Habitat and the impact it has had on their lives.  In this issue of Habichat, we will share some results with you.  I hope you will enjoy their thoughts as much as we did. 

 

In addition this month, we will also share some inspiring stories from our faith partners including the dedication of 203 Linden Avenue and the newest development with some very generous partners at 3104 Linden. 

 

Have a wonderful and joyous holiday season!

 

Brenda Egolf-Fox