IT'S A MATCH!-APP BUILDS A HOME!

We Made Our Goal!  THANKS to Everyone Who Supported this Campaign!

Curt and Linda Gillespie of Blowing Rock and Naples, Fla., were inspired by the hard work at the Habitat Road Trip Crazies Blitz Build ,which took place in September, in affiliation with Watauga Habitat and the student-led organization App Builds a Home, of Appalachian State University.

In January 2019, App Builds a Home pledged to raise $60,000, half of the cost of the Watauga Habitat for Humanity home, in addition to designing and building it. The student organization partnered with other groups on campus to host fundraisers to benefit its goal.

Once App Builds a Home raised $40,000, the Gillespies saw the dedication from the students and committed to matching the final $20,000 needed to reach the App Builds a Home goal.  

Students worked hard to reach the final $20,000  in order to receive the full match!  AND THEY DID IT!!

The Gillespies’ matching gift will bring the total raised by App Builds a Home to over $80,000! The Barker family is expected to move into the new home this winter.

High Country Association of Realtors Donates $1000 to Watauga Habitat

HCAR is the "Real Deal" and Continues to Create Happy Homeowners!

The High Country Association of Realtors (HCAR) recently presented Watauga County Habitat for Humanity a check for $1000.  This donation will support the App Builds a Home project being built in Watauga Habitat’s eco-friendly GreenWood neighborhood.  App Builds a Home is a student-led, campus-wide partnership building a Habitat home for a local family.  The students, faculty, and staff of Appalachian State University have come together to design, fund, and build the home. 

“The High Country Association of Realtors is not only committed to helping people become homeowners, but is also investing in affordable homeownership opportunities for our Habitat families,” said Allison Jennings, Director of Development at Watauga Habitat. “By supporting us, they are helping families build and buy their own home and achieve the American Dream of owning a home,” said Jennings. The donation from HCAR will be matched by Curt and Linda Gillespie of Blowing Rock, NC and Naples, Florida.

The High Country Association of Realtors unites real estate professionals in the community for the benefit of realtors and their clients.  The Association is dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in the industry and is dedicated to maintaining a high level of ethical business practices.  To learn more, visit www.highcountryrealtors.org.

Publix Super Market Charities donates $5K to Watauga Habitat

Thank you Publix!  We are thrilled to be one of 121 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the southeast receiving your generous support!

Click here to read more about Publix Super Market Charities' impact on affordable housing! They will donate $2.5 Million to support housing initiatives across the Southeast! Over the past five years, they have given more than $22.5 million!  Wow!  Thank you!

We Need Volunteers to Paint the Inside of the Fickling Home

Watauga Habitat for Humanity NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The walls are up in the newest Habitat for Humanity home and we really need your help! .  Don't worry about the weather because you will be inside working side-by-side with other volunteers and the homeowner.  We need lots of skilled and unskilled helpers to paint walls and begin flooring. We work on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am until 4pm.  We can adjust our schedule to accommodate groups.

With your help, the Ficklings can move into home this winter!  Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Ramey -828-268-9545 or jennifer@wataugahabitat.org.

 Could you give us a call or send an email to help out?

Build It!-All Proceeds Support Affordable Housing Solutions

We are Looking for Future Homeowners!

APPLY TODAY

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity will be accepting applications for their affordable housing program until November 15^th, 2019. Eligibility criteria for a Habitat home include a housing need, the ability to pay an affordable mortgage and a willingness to partner with Habitat.  Homeowners assist in building their own home and the homes of others and attend educational workshops on topics such as financial literacy and home maintenance so they are well prepared to be successful homeowners.

Those interested in learning more about Habitat’s affordable housing program can call Jennifer Ramey at 828-268-9545 or email jennifer@wataugahabitat.org.  Applications for a new Habitat home are located on their website https://wataugahabitat.org/homeownership and can be picked up at Watauga County Habitat for Humanity’s office located at 1200 Archie Carroll Road in Boone.

Watauga Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing and make decent, affordable housing an option for all families.  We do this locally and worldwide through construction, rehabilitation and preservation of homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.  Watauga County Habitat for Humanity builds houses for qualified homebuyers regardless of race, religion or background.

Bowling Brawl THIS Monday!

2019 Annual Report and Newsletter

Read All About it!

Follow this link to read our 2019 Annual Report and Newsletter.  There is a lot happening in the Watauga Habitat Community!

https://wataugahabitat.org/volunteer

Thanks North Carolina Community Foundation

Special thanks to the Armfield and Rachel Rivers Coffey Memorial Fund, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, for supporting Watauga Habitat for Humanity's Financial Literacy for Homeowners Program.  

Becoming a homeowner is a large endeavor for everyone involved. It takes a lot of hard work and determination, but we continually meet people like you who are up for the challenge.

We want to do everything we can to help prepare you for the day you receive your keys, and well beyond. One way we do that is through financial education.

As part of the required sweat equity portion of the Habitat homeowner process, we believe that financial education leads to a greater investment in the home. Additionally, it builds a more solid foundation for long-term personal success. Household finances are a source of stress no matter the size of your income or family, and we want to help alleviate any concerns or barriers on your path to homeownership.

Much like having a safe, affordable place to call home will boost your sense of well-being and pride, being able to take control of your finances will give you confidence and momentum to dream bigger. It starts with a house, but where it goes after that is up to you.

During these financial education classes, we’ll cover topics such as budgeting, credit cards and credit reports, debt and loans, saving, investing and planning for the future, emergency situations, as well as Habitat homeowner mortgages. Gaining a more in-depth understanding of these important concepts will become part of a tool belt you can use to build a better future.

The Armfield and Rachel Rivers Coffey Memorial Fund has supported Watauga Habitat for Humanity for many years.  Their generosity has allowed us to own GreenWood Community where our Habitat homes are built and in 2018 they funded all the tools needed to outfit our newest work trailer.  THANKS AGAIN!!

Who Wants to be a Wednesday Warrior?

Whether you are a skilled craftsperson or you have never picked up a hammer, building with Habitat is a life-changing experience both for you and our homeowners. Sponsor a project, bring a group, or come on your own. We can’t do it without you.

Our build days are typically Wednesdays and Saturdays although special arrangements can be made for groups in advance. Please call our volunteer coordinator at (828) 268-9545 or click the Wednesday Warrior to sign up.

Check out the App Builds a Home Project

Friday June 7th- First Fridays in Boone

To learn more about App Builds a Home visit here!

2019 Big Kahuna Results

Thanks to everyone who made this another successful year!

 We set a goal to raise $35,500.  Wednesday, May 15th at 3pm we hit $24,000.  We didn't know if we were going to make it!  But our 2019 Kahunas worked hard in the final hours and, in a surprise ending, Ginny Morgan Walker was crowned THE BIG KAHUNA.  Overall, the campaign raised over  $39,200!  Thanks to ALL of our 2019 Kahunas. 
Here is the final Top 5 Leaderboard:

2019 Kahuna Campaign Update

Here is your weekly Top 5 Leader Board

Blessing of the Build-ICYMI

In case you missed it, last month future homeowner Kristina and her children gathered at the home Watauga Habitat is helping her build! 

Kristina will build and buy this home.

Pastor Tamara Franks of High Country United Church of Christ officiated the Blessing of the Build and offered prayers,.."Strengthen our efforts to build adequate and affordable homes and to bring hope to all who see this work.  Bless those who have worked or contributed to provide for this site, which today we set apart for the building of a new Habitat home.  May this be a place where your Holy presence dwells,"..

Watauga Habitat Board members and staff were present along with Habitat Kahuna participant Wayne Randall and his wife Suzanne.
F.A.R.M. Cafe' shared some tasty treats from their F.A.R.M. Full Circle Program.

This was a great community gathering and Watauga Habitat continues to live out our mission by putting God's love into action, bringing people together to build homes, community and hope.

If you wish to be a part of our mission, please consider volunteering on our build site or providing meals for volunteers.

https://wataugahabitat.org/volunteer

Top Five Kahuna Leader Board

Weekly Top Five Kahuna Leader Board

Kahuna Update- Who's Leading the Pack?

Blessing of the Build

ITS KAHUNA TIME!!!

Its March 1st, so we are kicking-off our 5th annual Big Kahuna Campaign.  Twelve community "movers and shakers" are competing to see who can raise the most money for the next 10 weeks. The winner will be crowned the Big Kahuna at the Don Ho-Down on May 15th at Appalachian Mountain Brewery.  Follow our blog to see who is in the Top 5 Leaderboard which is updated every Monday afternoon.  Check out our Facebook page and see who is in the weekly Kahuna Spotlight  This year's Kahunas are Taylor Black, Justin Hackler, Rob Lewis, Emma Martin, Tom McDonnell, Kayla McDougle, Kate Payne, Jane Meyers, Wayne Randall, Adrian Tait, Ginny Morgan Walker, and Scott Williford.

Watauga Habitat ReStore is Hiring!

Employment Opportunities

Make a difference…work for Habitat!

We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. Current open positions are listed below. 

• ReStore Part Time Associate
  • Watauga County Habitat for Humanity ReStore is looking for part-time help in our ReStore. Ideal candidates would have previous customer service experience and willingness to work hard for a great cause. Candidates must be able to pick up and carry 50+ pounds. Come join a great team of hard working folks who are helping raise funds to provide housing opportunities to local families in need. 

• ReStore Donation Truck Driver
• Accepting applications for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity ReStore donation box truck driver. The ReStore sells used and sometimes new household items, furniture, and building materials at a discounted price. ReStore profits go to help further Watauga County Habitat for Humanity's mission of providing safe, efficient housing for families in need. Donation Truck Driver's responsibilities include moving furniture, appliances, and items safely out of donors homes and back to the warehouse efficiently, as well as additional duties in-store.
• Applicants must be able to lift and carry at least 75 pounds, have a clean driving record, and be 21 years or older for insurance reasons. Ideal applicant would have some or all skills listed. Good customer service skills and willingness to learn is needed. Previous experience with moving furniture and appliances is a plus. Box truck driving experience preferred. Looking for applicants that enjoy helping customers and are excited about helping further Habitat's mission of providing safe and affordable housing.

• Please come by ReStore to fill out applications. No phone calls please. This is a year round, full-time position with health care stipend. Come join the team!

 Applications can be picked up and filled out at:

Watauga Habitat ReStore 
1200 Archie Carroll Rd
Boone, NC 28607

 No Phone Calls, Please.

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity ReStore is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.

App Builds a Home-- Have you heard?

App Builds A Home is a campus-wide partnership with Watauga County Habitat to build a Habitat home for a local family in need. The students, faculty, and staff of Appalachian State University are coming together to design, fund, and build the home. App Builds A Home will be hosting events and fundraisers around campus to provide everyone an opportunity to participate in this exciting project!

Why Shelter?

Every day, more and more families find themselves in a struggle to keep a decent roof over their heads.

Caught in punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, or lack of access to land and affordable financing, these families live with a constant burden of uncertainty, stress and fear.

Watauga Habitat for Humanity knows that safe, decent and affordable shelter plays an absolutely critical role in helping families to create a new cycle, one filled with possibilities and progress. Affordable homeownership frees families and fosters the skills and confidence they need to invest in themselves and their communities. The outcomes can be long-lasting and life-changing.

Big Kahuna Time!

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity is Recruiting 2019 Big Kahuna Campaign Contestants

Boone (January 23, 2019)   Watauga County Habitat for Humanity is currently recruiting participants for their 2019 Big Kahuna Campaign.  A Kahuna is a community minded person who volunteers to help raise money for Watauga Habitat by soliciting their network of personal and business contacts to donate to Watauga Habitat in their name.  This friendly competition kicks off kicks off March 1^st, 2019.  At the conclusion of the contest,  the results will be announced at a fun social event known as the “Don Ho-Down” on May 15th.  At this event, the Kahuna raising the most money will be crowned the “BIG KAHUNA”.

Watauga Habitat is currently looking for campaign contestants.  Letters requesting participation will be sent out over the next few weeks to many community leaders.  There will be a maximum number of Kahuna Contestants. Contestants can organize and host various events to raise money during the competition period—for example, hosting a cocktail party for friends or donating a percent of proceeds from your business.  If a birthday or anniversary falls in that time-period, you can ask friends or family to donate to your campaign.  The ideas are limitless, and the Watauga Habitat staff will be behind you all the way, coaching and promoting all you are doing.

Since 2015, this fundraising campaign has collectively raised over $175,000, almost enough to build two Habitat for Humanity homes.  Past winners include Linda K. Robinson of Premier Sotheby’s Real Estate, Justin Davis of Town Tavern Blowing Rock, Jenny Miller, Community Volunteer and Crystal Smith of Appalachian Mountain Brewery.

Joining this friendly competition is a great way to show your support for Habitat’s work in Watauga County, and participants are encouraged to compete as representatives of their businesses.

Those interested in joining the 2019 Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Kahuna Campaign should contact Director of Development, Allison Jennings at 828-268-9545 ext. 107 or allison@wataugahabitat.org.

2018 Top 5 Kahuna- Mark Murrey, Crystal Smith, Ella Jennings, Patti Turner and Brianna Lance

2017 Big Kahuna Jenny Miller with Watauga Habitat Development Director Allison Jennings

2016 Big Kahuna Justin Davis of Blowing Rock Town Tavern with Alex Hooker

The Original Big Kahuna 2015 Linda Robinson with Watauga Habitat Executive Director Alex Hooker

Watauga Habitat is Looking for Future Homeowners

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity will be accepting applications for our affordable housing program until March 31^st, 2019. Eligibility criteria for a Habitat home include a housing need, the ability to pay an affordable mortgage and a willingness to partner with Habitat.  Homeowners assist in building their own home and the homes of others and attend educational workshops on topics such as financial literacy and home maintenance so they are well prepared to be successful homeowners. The home being built will be a 3-bedroom house.

Those interested in learning more about Habitat’s affordable housing program can call Jennifer Ramey at 828-268-9545 or email jennifer@wataugahabitat.org.  Applications for a new 3 bedroom Habitat home are located on our website https://wataugahabitat.org/homeownership and can be picked up at Watauga County Habitat for Humanity’s office located at 1200 Archie Carroll Road in Boone.

Watauga Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing and make decent, affordable housing an option for all families.  We do this locally and worldwide through construction, rehabilitation and preservation of homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all.  Watauga County Habitat for Humanity builds houses for qualified homebuyers regardless of race, religion or background.