Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity May 2020
by: Jane Elfring
Last month, I spoke about the effects that the closure was having on the Elizabeth City affiliate’s financial situation. Many people have said the governor’s order needs to be lifted so we can re-open. I need to emphasize that our closure was the result of decisions made in Atlanta by Habitat for Humanity International’s (HFHI) leadership. That directive shut our store’s doors and stopped house construction activities.
We do not receive any funding from HFHI. Each affiliate is financially independent. We rely on store revenues and homeowner payments to support our operations. Our homeowners have experienced the same financial hardships as others in the country and we are working with them on their payment plans.
Our board made the decision to keep our two part-time employees working in our store during the closure so that they would not have to receive unemployment and food stamps. To cover those costs, we applied for the SBA PPP program and recently received word that we will receive funding through that program.
The PPP loan was requested to cover salaries, rent and utilities but the profits from the store help with building projects. We have a home rehab and new construction that are on hold right now waiting for approval from Atlanta to continue. Once that comes, we will need funds to continue this work.
We are participating in the #GivingTuesday online donation program. Many corporations are pledging funds to match money that we raise during this event. Please consider a donation through our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ECHabitatforHumanity/; our webpage, https://echabitat6.wixsite.com/ecityhabitat; or directly to us at Taylor Mueller Real Estate, 440 S. Hughes Blvd.
If you need additional information, please call 252-384-0115.
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