By Mickey Kaufman
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County

WARSAW — It is so exciting! We broke ground last Monday on the two houses on Columbia Street in Warsaw. This week, Pioneer will do the excavation and get the foundations poured. A week after the concrete work, we will start the volunteer construction. The first phase is the framing. We need volunteers to begin the week of July 19.

Building Schedule:
We cannot predict the specific tasks very far into the future, due to the unpredictability of progress on the project. (It depends on many factors we can’t control – such as the number of volunteers who show up for any specific task, the work of subcontractors, funds available, etc.) Therefore, we plan to send out these updates every 2 weeks during active building projects. Be sure to check these updates regularly to find out when you can help.
Generally speaking, we work from Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. David will supervise both these builds. If for some reason he can’t be there, he will designate another responsible person to take his place. If you have any questions directly related to the build, please call David at (574)361-1734.
We don’t yet have a volunteer coordinator. So, all scheduling will be done through the office. Call Mickey at (574) 269-4104 to schedule your participation.

Orientation Meeting:
If you plan to be part of these builds, are organizing a group of volunteers, or just interested in finding out more, please attend the volunteer orientation meeting on July 16th, at 1 p.m. at David and Mickey’s house in Winona Lake. We will talk about the overall plan, qualifications for volunteers, organization on the site, specifics of tasks required, safety, etc. The Habitat Partner families will be present. Come to 105 Cherry Avenue, Winona Lake, backyard. (In case of rain, please call the office for up-to-date location information.)

Other News to Note:

• Our Habitat float participated in the Mermaid Festival Parade in North Webster and the Wawasee Flotilla. (We took first place in the Flotilla, Non-Profit Division.) Thanks to the many volunteers who have been part of these events.
• 3-5 p.m., July 10 – Our float will participate in the Kosciusko County Fair parade in Warsaw. We need volunteers to walk alongside the float and talk with people along the route.
• July 10-15 – Habitat will be present at the Kosciusko County Fair, in the exhibitor’s tent. We need volunteers to man the booth in 4-hour segments, from 1 to 8 p.m. every day.
• 7-10 a.m., July 16 – KBOR is sponsoring a fundraiser for HFHKC. It is a 5K Walk/Run in Winona Lake, all proceeds going to the current build projects. If you are a runner or someone who enjoys walking, come join the cause. The Run focuses on families and is appropriate for all ages and all skill levels. Go to KBOR Build A Home-Run 5k Walk/Run and register for this run.
• 10:30 a.m. -1 p.m., July 16 – Habitat Family Picnic at 105 Cherry Street, Winona Lake. All Habitat Partner families (past, present, and future), board members, committee members, advocates, donors, volunteers – and their families – are invited to share this time of fun, fellowship, food and storytelling. Meat, drink and table service will be provided. Optional: Bring a side-dish to share. Call Mickey for details and more information.

This is a very busy time! We need your help! Everyone pitching in to do a little bit makes it easier to accomplish the mission of providing safe, affordable housing for people in need of shelter. Please choose an activity (or several) that fits your schedule and interest.