Learning about issues that affect our communities - and how we can help February, 2009

Pulling through together Habitat has touched each one of us in some manner, and we would like to share some ways to celebrate the vision that unites us. This month brought cause for bittersweet celebration, in the life and achievements of our founder, Millard Fuller, who paved the way for Habitat to become what it is today. In addition, we are facing a difficult economic period—but instead of focusing on the negative, we would like to showcase this moment as an opportunity to pull together. Contrary to what you might believe, people are even more likely to want to help others in times of crisis. That is what has spurred donations to Haiti post-disaster, which I talk about in “Rebuilding hope in Haiti.” And what goes around comes around—our financial education program, which helps Habitat families manage spending and weather financial difficulties, makes it easier for them to pay back their loans to Habitat’s rotating funds, so that others can access housing too. That philosophy is what inspires Habitat Guatemala to reach halfway around the world—read more in “Tithes without borders.” The key is to keep reaching out. Remember the phrase, “more bang for your buck”? The same applies to our mission; try to set goals that will achieve multiple results. The article “Cause to celebrate” talks about multipurpose events as part of a larger strategy of creating and strengthening the personal connections of volunteers, donors, staff and advocates with Habitat’s mission by celebrating achievements, recognizing extraordinary contributions, and laying out goals for the future. For anyone, like me, who interacts with Habitat’s supporters, the most important piece of advice for holding on to them is to keep an open dialogue going about your relationship, successes and challenges. Let them know how much their support means to you, but also be upfront if times are hard for the organization, and work with them to keep them involved if they are going through a rough patch. Penelope Burk, author of Donor-Centered Fundraising, says “You are an essential part of the donor’s quest for satisfaction through philanthropy, because satisfaction comes from information, and information comes from you.” We are one family, with one mission. Let’s celebrate our collective work that sustains it. Kate Pearson Resource Development Habitat for Humanity LAC

Cause to celebrate Organized events can be a great way to raise both funds and awareness for our cause. In the following article, Habitat supporters and the LAC resource development team tell us what it takes to host an event with purpose and intention—and with effects that stick around long after the guests have departed. More A special occasion bearing Habitat's name can provide a sense of solidarity to our cause, acknowledge loyal supporters, or draw new donors, volunteers and advocates. With the right planning, events help us to pull our mission forward every single day of the year. Following are three examples of events that successfully raised awareness and donations without much expense. Each represents a unique long-term vision, and each host inspires us to seek creative and pro-active ways to unite more people and raise more funds for Habitat's mission. Cause to celebrate our mission: Benefit jam—Costa Rica Cause to celebrate in community: Annual bluegrass concert—U.S.A. Cause to celebrate the spirit of giving: Sing and build—Argentina

Tithes without borders The word tithe comes from the tradition in which people of certain faiths would donate ten percent of their income to their religious institution. Through Habitat’s tithe program, Habitat partners are encouraged to donate a tenth of what they raise in support of house building in another country, encouraging all programs to participate in the international effort to eliminate global poverty by sending a portion of what is raised in their home country elsewhere. In a time of financial crisis, the tithe program holds us together in firm, mutual, and often long-term support. This article tells us the story of Habitat Guatemala, which each year commits a tenth of its income to other Habitat programs around the world. Read about Habitat Guatemala Director Luis Samayoa's philosophy on giving, and why Habitat Guatemala contributed US$20,000 to Habitat Tajikistan, Habitat Ghana and Habitat Paraguay, respectively. More

Rebuilding hope in Haiti Haiti faces more challenges than any other country in the region. Its recovery from the hurricanes of August and September 2008 has been slow–even prior to the storms, it had been suffering from an acute economic crisis with widespread unemployment and abject poverty. Also, the 2009 hurricane season is quickly approaching. Disasters occur when people are not prepared, and Habitat Haiti is struggling to rebuild while at the same time mitigating future risk. More To donate to “Rebuilding hope in Haiti,” please click here and designate your donation to “Hope in Haiti.” More about Habitat Haiti: Habitat for Humanity Haiti profile National office Web page (French) Dando la mano en un Haití devastado por huracanes

Galería This month's featured video in our Habitat Latin America/Caribbean Blog page, Galería, features an interview with Mario Morán, a Habitat specialist in the area of financial education, and Gabriela Frías from En Efectivo on CNN en Español. Mario discusses the benefits of financial education in Latin America and the Caribbean, and how it relates to today's economy. Watch Read an English summary on financial education in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Remembering our founder Habitat for Humantiy Latin America and the Caribbean would like to thank all those who sent in emails and comments expressing their sorrow for the loss of Millard Fuller, gratitude for his life and mission, and prayers for his family and friends. Millard was a visionary, whose ideas and tireless work created Habitat for Humanity International. In remembering our founder, we are inspired and encouraged to carry on his mission, and to follow in the immense footprints that he has carved throughout this region. You can read the sentiments of Habitat supporters from LAC on our Blog.

Other news Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica presents 23 earthquake-shaken families with new homes Habitat for Humanity Argentina provides disaster response in Tartagal Access to adequate housing in Bolivia's new constitution