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.

6 Ways to Brighten Someone Else's Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve! If you celebrate Christmas, then chances are you’re spending today wrapped in a warm blanket, curled up by the fire and sipping hot chocolate with loved ones. You may have spent the last weekend ice skating, baking cookies or opening up a present or two. But, what have you done for someone else this Christmas?

While the holiday season is a joyful time for many, it can also be a difficult time for others. If you live an altruistic lifestyle, you can give back and make someone’s holiday a bit more joyful. Here are six ways you can brighten someone else’s Christmas.

1. Call your loved ones.
One simple way to brighten another’s Christmas is by calling. Some of your loved ones might live far away, have different plans or not be able to see you during the holiday season. Particularly for older family with limited mobility, this can be difficult. However, you can brighten their day by simply giving them a call and checking in. A few quick words of encouragement and affirmation can make a world of difference this Christmas.

2. Make Christmas dinner.
Food is always the perfect way into someone’s heart, especially through Christmas dinner. You can spread the love and brighten someone’s day this Christmas by making a little bit extra of dinner to share. For people who may not be able to cook for themselves or can’t afford to buy the ingredients, this can truly be the greatest gift of all.

3. Invite someone over.
It’s often been said that the holidays are the loneliest time of the year. Unfortunately, lots of people find themselves alone during Christmas for a variety of reasons. Instead, bring extra joy this year by inviting someone into your home. Share food, time and conversation with them to show how much they are loved and valued this holiday season.

4. Donate a gift.
Many individuals, families and children cannot afford gifts during the Christmas season. If you find yourself with a little bit of extra income, time or gifts this week, consider donating extra presents to a family in need. Whether you give gently-used goods, or buy a brand new toy off the shelf, you can definitely brighten someone else’s day—particularly a child’s.

5. Volunteer in the morning.
We get it: Christmas is a time to spend with your loved ones, which makes volunteering a tough request. But, why not consider volunteering Christmas morning? After you open presents with family, create a new tradition by volunteering at your local shelter or nonprofit organization. A simple hour or two of your time can have a huge impact on someone’s day. Afterwards, you will still have plenty of Christmas left to spend together eating, talking and celebrating. 

6. Have a conversation.
Ultimately, one of the most valuable gifts you can give this Christmas season is your time. Have a deep, intimate conversation with a loved one, neighbor or even a complete stranger, to share in the spirit of the season. While some people might feel alone or hurt during the holidays, you can share joy by listening to their stories and speaking affirmation into their lives.

Christmas is a wonderful time to spend together with family, friends and loved ones. However, it’s also an opportunity to give back. If you want to brighten someone else’s Christmas this year, keep these tips in mind to spread the holiday cheer.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Common Questions About Habitat for Humanity

You may have heard of Habitat for Humanity, but how much do you really know about us?  Watauga County Habitat is one of over 1700 affiliates across the world.  Habitat for Humanity can be found in all 50 states and located in 70 countries worldwide.

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most.

Are Habitat for Humanity houses free?

No. Families who are in need of decent, affordable housing apply locally to Habitat for Humanity for homeownership. Their ability to repay an affordable mortgage (zero-interest loan), as well as their level of housing need and willingness to partner with Habitat, are among the selection criteria for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

Future homeowners receive financial education and complete 250 hours of sweat equity working alongside volunteers. Sweat equity can take the form of building their own and other Habitat homes, providing retail assistance at a local Habitat ReStore, or performing important tasks at their local Habitat office.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Habitat homeowner.

Did former U.S. President Jimmy Carter start Habitat for Humanity?

While President and Mrs. Carter are Habitat’s most famous volunteers and have worked tirelessly since 1984 to help families build houses and to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing, Habitat was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976.

The idea that became Habitat for Humanity first grew from the fertile soil of Koinonia Farm, a community farm outside of Americus, Georgia, founded by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. There in the early ’70s, Jordan and the Fullers developed “partnership housing.” The idea centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses at no profit. To build more homes, new homeowners’ house payments would be combined with no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising.

In 1973, the Fullers took the concept to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, and launched a successful house-building program. After three years, they returned to the United States and founded Habitat for Humanity International.

Learn more about Habitat’s history.

Does Habitat for Humanity only build locally?

Habitat builds in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. We also work in more than 70 countries worldwide. Learn more about all of the places where we work.

Can only Christians apply for Habitat homes? Can only Christians volunteer and work with Habitat?

Habitat is a global nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. While our mission is inspired by Christian teachings, all who desire to be a part of our work are welcome — without regard to religious preference or background.

Do I have to have construction skills to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity?

We welcome people with any skill level to volunteer with us on the build site, even beginners. On-site construction leaders train volunteers in all aspects of building. You do have to be at least 16 years old to work on a Habitat construction site.

You can also volunteer and participate in a variety of other ways, from becoming an advocate to helping out in one of our ReStores. Check out all of the ways you can support Habitat’s work.

Does Habitat need donations?

Yes, Habitat for Humanity needs donations to advance our work, and we appreciate your financial support.

Thanks to the support of people like you we are able to help people create strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. It will take all of us doing whatever we can to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat Happenings Around the USA

Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter are just some of the people coming together to build a home for Habitat for Humanity.

Check out this video of famous Habitat volunteers coming together to help build a place a family can call home:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEepWOXBUU









https://www.habitat.org/newsroom/2018/photos-major-stars-lend-their-hands-habitat-building-alongside-president-carter-and

App State Gingerbread House Competition

Join us for Appalachian State Habitat for Humanity's 8th Annual Gingerbread Building Competition. This exciting annual event will be held on Wednesday, November 14th at 6:00pm in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of the Student Union on campus. There will be Christmas karaoke, free food, prizes, and gingerbread building like you've never seen before! All proceeds raised during the event will go to Watauga Habitat for Humanity and help build an affordable home for a local family in need. Builders of all ages are invited to join in the fun and create a gingerbread house masterpiece for this worthy cause. Teams will have just over one hour to build their masterpiece and will be provided graham crackers and icing to help start their structure. It is encouraged to bring additional building materials such as candy to make your house stand out, but all structural materials must be edible in order to win. Teams can consist of up to 5 people and each group must pay a $25 registration fee to sign up. You can email habitat@appstate.edu to register in advance or sign up at the competition the day of. You won't want to miss out on this exciting event and the chance to help your community through the support of Watauga Habitat for Humanity!

Bradshaw Home Dedication

On Sunday, November 5th we welcomed our newest family to their home!  The Bradshaws gathered with volunteers, staff , board members and their family and friends to dedicate this home.  Jesse and Samantha have worked hard and we are glad they are able to purchase this home with a zero-interest mortgage!  Check out some of the photos of their new home!