Recently HFHCCO was selected by Crane Pumps and Systems, Crane Fund for Widows and Children, to receive a $10,000 donation that will be utilized on the 2021 build. “We are, of course, thankful to CEO Brian Sweeney and the great people at Crane — as well as the truly hundreds of sponsors in and around our county,” Ward said.

Countless food providers and churches supply volunteer build crews and lunch for the nine months it takes to build a Habitat home. HFHCCO shares its Mission Statement and asks all in attendance at its Home Dedication each year read the following statement aloud: “Seeking to put God’s Love into Action Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and HOPE.“

Recently the HFHCCO board voted to begin an annual Home Sweet Home Beautification Award. The first recipient was Ms. Barb Brooks and her son Daniel who live in a totally handicap-accessible home built with donations and volunteer labor. Brooks’ home at 218 Harmon Ave. is immaculate, well-manicured and maintained. This award will be presented twice a year with a homeowner eligible to win only once per year. Winners are gifted a $100 gift certificate from HFHCCO’s ReStore, a $50 gift from the Brock C. Comer Memorial Scholarship, and a gift certificate from Café Paradiso. Signage and a banner will designate the home for several months. The home selected must have natural, manicured landscaping, paint and siding in good condition, bushes and trees showing attention and care, concrete with minimal or no vegetative growth in cracks, concrete with no differential settlement, garbage cans not visible, gutters and roof in good condition, no artificial flowers, no “for sale” signs or commercial advertising signs in the yard. An outstanding home overall with an extra nice appearance is sought. Nominated homes must have owners who are current on their mortgage payments.

This milestone year has been a year of transition with no build. Habitat was recently gifted a lot at 141 Race St. in Mechanicsburg. “The plans currently are to build our 12th home on this donated land,” Ward said. “The HFHCCO board of directors is extremely appreciative to the village of Mechanicsburg for this donation. As a non-profit we are thankful to all within the county as well as beyond.” First Christian church Springboro will be creating the walls for the 12th home as well as giving a monetary donation. St. George Episcopal church in Dayton supports yearly with monetary donations as well as youth builds. Many local churches support as do individuals.

The organization has recently created a new website at HFHCCO.org and credits Ben Guenther for his expertise in setting up the new website. “If our community has questions about applying for a home, sharing donations at the ReStore at 955 N. Main Street in Urbana, our website answers those questions,” Ward said. “Our ReStore manager, Mrs. Anita Segreti, is available by phoning 937-652-2981. We are thankful for the many, many donations gifted to HFHCCO. We do ask that no donations are dropped off without prior arrangements. We are a participant in the Kroger’s Community Rewards program and can be found under YU772 if anyone might wish to part of this activity.” A small percentage of the grocery total is quarterly gifted to HFHCCO by Kroger.
“HFHCCO is also thankful for the volunteer lawn work completed on our homes,” Ward said. “We thank Logan Landscaping and Lawn for that, owner Jacob Vitt. All owners are mentored and encouraged to maintain their property to enhance the neighborhood. Often if a move is done in the winter it takes time to work the yard and prepare as expected. We are appreciative of the neighbors who assist, support, and show love to our new home owners.” HFHCCO holds the mortgage which is interest free but the home is owned by the recipient, just as if the loan were from a bank or lending institution.
All appliances purchased for the HFHCCO homes are paid for via the sale of Judith Key’s Brotherly Love Necklaces. “Ms. Key has been providing these beautiful art pieces for many, many years,” Ward said. They are now available for perusal and purchase on the new HFHCCO.org website. Individual pictures of each necklace, their price, and how to order will be shared on the website.
“Our current HFHCCO board is pleased to welcome new board member Mr. Brian Newman, Urbana,” Ward said. “President Julie Urquhart, Vice President Rev. Ray Branstiter, Secretary Tim Schneider and Treasurer/Assistant Rick Finkbine and Marge Baker are invaluable to the workings of the affiliate.” Build Chairmen are Frank Segreti and Greg Ward. Meetings are held at the ReStore on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

But they didn't stop there. We Spend Local launched  an an online store dedicated to showing your love for local. Each month they feature a "We Give Local" design dedicated to that month's podcast interview. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of those shirts will be donated back to that organization or business or a cause of their choosing. The first design was dedicated to Urbana Fire Department and  Chief Ortlieb requested the donation be designated to Box 13 to ensure the funds be shared throughout Champaign County.

Tune in now to hear the newest podcast at https://www.wespendlocal.com/podcast.html featuring Jamie Houseman, President of Mercy Health Urbana Hospital and support Mercy Health's Guardian Angel Fund here: https://wespendlocal.itemorder.com/sale. This fund was developed for children who are clients of the Mercy Health Pediatrics, who have unmet needs due to lack of family finances.  It especially targets “working families” and offers the services such as filling Prescription needs and over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, eyeglasses, dental emergencies and further medical evaluation by a physician or medical specialist. Funds have also been used to purchase winter coats and gloves, car seats, etc for families with need.

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

How the Bill Butler Champaign Open Started
 
In 1982, Bill Butler combined his love of golf and his passion to help people to create the Bill Butler Champaign Open. Bill had realized that there was a gap in funding for people with disabilities, causing many to go without basic needs. The BBCO raises funds to assist these individuals, many of which live right here in our community.
 
The golf tournament is usually held annually in August, but this year the event had to be cancelled. The amazing people with BBCO and at Champaign Residential Services, Inc.(CRSI) don’t want that to stop you from supporting this mission that is still very much needed, maybe even more during these times. There are so many unknowns right now but not knowing if you will have your basic needs met should never be one of them.
 
For 2020, the organization has decided to have a Day of Giving on August 19th in place of the annual BBCO. The goal has not changed, and the focus is to raise funds to ensure the needs of those they serve are met. These funds go to people being served by CRSI, many here locally, and make a huge difference in our community. Every single dollar raised will make a positive impact on someone’s life!

How to Donate
 
CRSI has set up an easy-to-use form on their website where you can make a donation. You can visit their site to donate today! You can also send a check made payable to BBCO to the address below.
 
CRSI
Attn Terri Thompson
P.O. Box 29
Urbana, Ohio 43078 
 
Every dollar counts. Please help spread the word about the Day of Giving on August 19th and make this year a memorable one for the Bill Butler Champaign Open and everyone supported by the funds raised for CRSI. You can learn more on their site.