The green in Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity (GMHfH) will be greener in 2010. For more than 10 years, GMHfH has been building 5-star energy-rated houses for their Partner Families in need. This spring in Charlotte, GMHfH will begin building the first house in New England to meet the new passive solar standards set by the Passive House Institute. Not only will it be the first of its kind in terms of energy efficiency, it will also be the first affordable Habitat house to meet this stringent green standard.

As we began thinking about all of the exciting possibilities this new project holds for us, we decided to expand this green thinking to other parts of our organization. In the coming year, we hope to involve our volunteers, our Partner Families, and our supporters in this new initiative.

We plan to offer educational workshops to our Partner Families and the general public. These workshops will focus on ways everyone can make their home more energy efficient. We will look for opportunities to use our material resources more creatively and form new partnerships to allow us to expand the scope of our work.

We will be using e-mail to communicate more efficiently and effectively in the months ahead. You can help us go green by signing up to receive our newsletter and other announcements via e-mail by visiting our website: http://www.vermonthabitat.org/gmh/sign-up

 Habitat for Humanity International is addressing shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010.  Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, corporate partners and other community organizations.  Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity is collecting money to help Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) with the relief efforts.  A tax deductible donation to support the survivors of this disaster can be made through our website: www.vermonthabitat.org/donate.  All donations collected for earthquake victims will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

“Habitat for Humanity is sending an assessment team into the impacted area,” said Kip Scheidler, senior director Global Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity International.  “Once we know the full magnitude of this disaster, we’ll begin Habitat’s recovery process.”  Upon arrival, they will make contact with staff from Habitat’s National Organization in Port-au-Prince and begin an assessment of the quake’s impact on low-income housing. They also will connect with peer organizations such as World Vision, World Concern, and CARE that we typically work with in disaster situations. 

HFHI has worked with Haiti for over 26 years and will continue to serve the people there by helping to rebuild.  “After the situation has been stabilized and a clear plan for recovery has been formulated we hope to help with the rebuilding efforts,” said David Mullin, Executive Director, Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, “organizing a group of volunteers from our area to assist Habitat for Humanity International in Haiti could happen this fall.”

Warmest holiday wishes from our homes to yours!

Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity sponsored an information session for families from the area who may be interested in partnering with Habitat in the purchase of three affordable houses to be constructed off Greenbush Road south of the Ferry Road intersection. Eleven interested parties came to the Center to hear the description and the terms of purchase for the homes and to indicate their interest in becoming a partner. Jeneva Burroughs, chair of Habitat’s “Family Selection Committee,” plans to try to reach other families before holding a second meeting within the next month or two. She asks that anybody knowing a family or individuals who may be interested in becoming a partner with Habitat to please contact the local office at 872-8726 for more information.

Hinesburg Information Meeting - If you are interested in knowing more about how you or some one you know can qualify for a home of your own through Habitat you should attend this next meeting.

• Time: Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00 - 9:00
• Location: Hinesburg United Church Parish
• Directions: on west side of Route 116 just south of the cheese factory and before stoplight and town offices.

Watch our Executive Director, David Mullin and our new Development Director Tamira Martel discuss Green Mountain Habitat. This will broadcast several times this week and next on public access. CCTV has more information about broadcast times or see it online below.