What a year. I cannot believe that just a year ago, we were planning for our “Reveal” party as described below. On the other hand, I cannot believe it has already been 9 months since I wrote anything here!
While we have been somewhat invisible since the announcement of our transition to Fuller Center for Housing, we have not been dormant! There is so much work to do to keep a non-profit running efficiently, being visible, and being productive. Until recently, our board comprised of 5 people who all worked full time. Since then, we have added and lost members, and our make up is now a little more conducive to productivity! We are thrilled to have 7 active members. Yet we all acknowledge the need for more members, regular or adjunct, to really get to work.
What, you may ask, is there to do? Sometimes I lie awake at night with so many thoughts and ideas, it seems there will never be enough man power and time to do it all. Here is an example of some “stream of conscious” thinking:
What message could I post on FB to keep us “out there'“? I need to reach out to our homeowners for input! Did we make the right decision selling the land? Who will we get to do the clearing? What else needs to be done before clearing? Should we go with modular homes? When could I meet with someone from Athens Habitat about modular homes? Our website needs updating- I must talk to Matt and Clint. Did I call those people back who requested help with home repairs? How can we collaborate with other people in the community to provide basic home repairs for those in need? Who can I talk to about this?
But the most exciting thing I get to think about at any time of the day or night now is, IT IS FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN! For more than 20 years, we have had 6.74 acres just waiting for homes to be built. So much talk. So many grand ideas. So many moments of frustration.
The photo here is from the front section of those acres. I stood there recently, a bit tingly with the thought of one day seeing 12 (or more) homes in this area. Some regret for the inability to keep the woods and trees for kids to play in, but knowing we will create an attractive neighborhood that will provide safe, stable, secure homes where kids can still play, even it not in a full forest of trees. There will be some trees left and there will be some empty green space for running around. Driveways for chalk drawings and basketball, a safe road for learning to ride a bike. Neighbors who can lean on each other in times of need, yards for gardens, and decks for grilling out. Maybe a home or 2 with ramps for someone who needs them, or a home that allows someone to finally have a pet.
These are the visions and thoughts that keep me moving. These are the things I need to put “out there” to encourage community involvement and support. If these dreams speak to you, and you have read this far, then perhaps you need to become involved! Reach out soon- help us to this valuable work!
And, perhaps help me sleep a little better!!
Ruthie, current Board President
Madison County has some amazing residents.
On September 20th, months of planning came to life. I was privileged to lead a group of caring and committed people to pull off a community event that brought out the best of so many people. With a new name that has very little “name recognition” we know we have to do some work to build a base of supporters. We decided to start with providing a service. Saturday afternoons should be fun family time, so we put together an event to give families a place to go and have fun. Flo Hix, owner of the gorgeous Colbert-Benton Guest House, provided the facility, the Lord provided great weather, and community members provided the rest. What an amazing team.
Many thanks to:
The Team: John King, Rick and Laura Standard, Lori Faulkner, Denise McCannon, Bruce Thaxton, Matt Hussey, Clint Hill
Vendors and Donors: Colbert-Benton Guest House, KQ’s BBQ, Comer String Collective, Jeremy Duggins, Angie Patterson, Jubilee Partners, Stonegate Mortgage, Barnett Shoals Chick-Fil-A, Tracy Faulkner, Comer Baptist Church, St. Mary’s Gift Shop, Bertha Rambeau, and Tracey Newton
Volunteers: David M, Zach M, Jenna, Briane S, Kenneth, and Jessica
Welcome to the President’s Blog!
Hey! This is Ruthie Holloman, current president of the Fuller Center for Housing of Madison County. Welcome to our new website, and my first “blog”! I will be sharing stories, fact, and needs here to let you in on some of the amazing things going on in the world of non-profit housing, specifically in Madison County and with Fuller Center for Housing in general.
I want to tell you how I personally became part of what was then Madison County Habitat for Humanity. The family and home pictured here are the main reason! I was invited to join the board several years ago, but at the time, I had a conflict with the scheduled meeting dates. As the Lord in His providence would have it, 2 things happened to bring me in: that meeting schedule was changed, and I was told by the one board member I knew, “I think we are working on a house for some of your kids!” The “your kids” referred to students of mine as the ESOL teacher at our local elementary school.
This home was originally built for a family who had moved. The board had decided that they could choose 2 families- one for refurbishing this home and another family for a new construction to be build next door. The second family is related to the first, including, you guessed it, another student of mine.
The JOY that comes from watching families like this is what keeps us moving! This family in particular has inspired me year after year. They, as with many of our partner families, came through difficult situations, challenges, and hardships. Their work ethic, determination, amazing fiscal wisdom, and desire to improve their living conditions for their 5 kids was, and still is, incredible. One day I visited this mom, and was in awe of her backyard garden, HAND TURNED using homeland methods. The humble way she toured me around, and through limited English, told me what was planted was such a blessing. Being a part of the success of this family has motivated me many times when the nuts and bolts of managing a non-profit have been frustrating.
I hope you will join us as we embark on our next challenge! Stay tuned for my next entry!
