Social Justice Task Force of the Month: Habitat
The Habitat Task Force has some exciting plans for May and the rest of 2025 that we hope will spark new interest and expand participation in our efforts to help provide more affordable, decent and energy-efficient homes in Monroe County.
During the month of May, we are hosting a fundraiser brunch on May 18, recruiting for a UU build day slated for May 31, our UU & Friends Women+ Build team conducting a snack-packing activity, and tabling in Fellowship after services.
Currently, Habitat is developing its third neighborhood, called Osage Place, on the southwest side near the intersection of Rockport Road and Rogers Street. This emerging community will be built out for years to come and will make a major impact on the availability of affordable homes – a significant and persistent problem here. The 12-acre area now includes 13 finished homes, with five additional homes under construction in the first construction phase that will ultimately have 30 homes. Phase two infrastructure began last August and will accommodate another 39 homes.
Proceeds from our Habitat Brunch: Supporting Women+ Build will be used to help team members reach the $300 minimum required to build on our team’s day, Sept. 17, in Osage Place. The brunch will be between services and after the 2nd service. Please enjoy casseroles, pancakes, quiches, fruit, and baked goods to help our team financially support homes for two local families. Twelve teams from the Bloomington community are raising $240,000 for construction costs and building homes in that neighborhood, alongside the future homeowners. You can sign up to provide food or volunteer for the brunch by clicking this link.
We are actively recruiting more women to join our Women+ Build team. It is a wonderful community-wide build that brings together more than 300 women. We will paint walls and finish installing siding. To register, click here!
Habitat for Humanity has reserved another build day for any UUer over 16 years old on Sat., May 31. We are building a fully handicapped accessible home for local resident Samantha Walker. With financial help of the UU congregation, last fall the task force donated $10,000 to help sponsor this home. Volunteers do not contribute funds to build regular builds, only the Women+ Builds. Building experience isn't necessary.
To build on May 31, register at this link.
Habitat for Humanity’s unique role in the community creates a way for local people to afford purchasing homes through the assistance of volunteer builders and partner groups, such as businesses, nonprofits, and churches. For more than 20 years, our task force has recruited many UUers to participate in builds, helped bring together three interfaith builds, organized Women Build teams annually, and contributed thousands of dollars, with the help of UU congregants, for construction costs, building equipment, supplies, and other needs. This fiscal year, Habitat for Humanity was approved by the congregation to be the recipient of 25% of the Sunday Plate funds. Money is being used to provide solar panel installation and radon testing in Habitat homes.
Habitat has made a consistent and significant impact on housing over the last 36 years since it was created in Monroe County. It has housed more than 863 people, including 493 children. Currently, it is building an average of eight to 10 homes each year and currently has 14 families in its program. Through the work of thousands of volunteers and community partners, Habitat has built 233 homes.
Habitat provides a lower-barrier opportunity for families to purchase a home, often serving first-time homebuyers. In doing so, the program provides adults and children with safe, affordable places to live and thrive. Habitat says the program builds strength, stability, self-reliance and provides shelter, and the only thing it gives away is an opportunity.
The task force meets most months of the year, usually the first Sunday, between services and after the second service when UU switches to one service. We welcome new members and encourage UU congregants to participate in any way that fits their schedules, whether it’s participating in builds, fundraisers or other activities.
We thank the congregation for its long and consistent support of our task force and of Habitat for Humanity. The need for affordable housing is only increasing and the cost of construction continues to grow. To learn more about the local Habitat for Humanity, visit www.monroecountyhabitat.org.
Contact task force chairperson, Barb Berggoetz, using this contact form for more information or questions.
