- November 22, 2024
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In 1982, at a Habitat for Humanity conference in Ohio, the speaker announced that the audience members could save the organization $12,000 by putting away their own chairs.
That made an impression on Bill Verhagen, in the audience. Wow, he thought. Such a little thing can make a big difference.
Verhagen has been involved with Habitat ever since and is now president of the local chapter, Flagler Habitat for Humanity.
He spoke at Hearts to Homes, the inaugural celebration of Flagler Habitat, held Nov. 7, at Palm Coast United Methodist Church.
Although society is often divided, Habitat is an organization in which we can agree on working together, Verhagen said, calling it “the doctrine of the hammer.”
Habitat homes are sold to local families with a mortgage at a 0% interest rate, in exchange for sweat equity. Habitat also provides many resources for families, including the Prep Club, which, in partnership with Intracoastal Bank, establishes bank accounts for the children of Flagler's 131 Habitat for Humanity homeowners. The students earn money based on their academic performance throughout the year.
Maureen Crompton, the new executive director at Flagler Habitat for Humanity, started out as a volunteer in another resource: the ReStore.
At the Nov. 7 event, Crompton praised the ReStore crew, which also picks up and delivers donated furniture at two storefront locations: 5 Hargrove Grade, Palm Coast; and 2 W. Moody Blvd., Bunnell.
Habitat is more than just a home building organization, Crompton said. “It’s about bringing heart, warmth and love …so families can thrive now and into the future,” she said.
AdventHealth has also helped homeowners with $50,000 in medical bills.
Erica Obama is the owner of the 130th home built by Flagler Habitat. She moved into her home in July, after two years of volunteering on other homes.
“I feel like Habitat is an extension of my family,” she said. “My family’s lives have been changed forever.”
Other speakers at the Nov. 7 event were Mark Larmore, treasurer of Flagler Habitat; Kim Lhota, chair of the development committee; Rev. Derrick Jackson, Board of Directors: Dr. Kevin James, Palm Coast United Methodist Church.
Visit www.flaglerhabitat.com/donate.
