NSLCHFH

Dear Friends,

North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity received many blessings in 2023 as we worked together with you to provide five more of our neighbors with homeownership opportunities. This brings the total number of Habitat homebuyers in 15 Iron Range communities to 116 since our founding in 1995. Seeing the hope of a better future in our partner families as they enjoy their homes, especially around the holiday season, reminds us of the blessings we all receive as we fulfil Habitat’s mission of putting God’s love into action to build homes, communities, and hope.

As long-time Habitat team members, Family Services Manager Marnie Maki and I were energized as we saw our team grow in its capacity to provide great service, expertise, and support to our partner families, volunteers, and donors. Tucker Nelson, our Community Engagement Coordinator, completed his first year of service this year. He continues to grow our capacity to communicate with the public, coordinate volunteers, and expand our fundraising. This summer, Isaac Mathison-Bowie joined our team as our Construction Manager. Isaac brought seven years of Habitat construction experience to our build sites. Volunteers give him high marks for his skill and organization in moving our projects forward with their help. In the fall, needing a boost in our ability to shepherd even more volunteers on Habitat projects, Tim Officer joined the team as our part-time Construction Coordinator. He gives us the ability to work with volunteers across different build sites on the same day.

We are thankful for our 18 board members who provide our organization with excellent oversight and strategic direction while also being involved in many of our day-to-day activities as volunteers.

This year 1,698 of you volunteered on our build sites, committees, meal preparation for volunteers, and newsletter preparation here at the office.

We received donations throughout the year from 484 individuals, businesses, and churches and from 12 major funding partners. We continue to be blessed with excellent services and in-kind donations of time and materials from local contractors and lumber yards and national partners to help offset growing construction expenses.

As the housing crisis continues to challenge our neighbors in need, we are empowered by your support to continue striving to provide more homeownership opportunities to families and individuals across the Range. In many of our towns, we are the only hope for a better life in an affordable home thanks to you!

May you be blessed as you celebrate Christmas, and may your new year be full of hope. We eagerly look forward to a great new year of building homes and hope with you and our neighbors. Thank you!

Sincerely,