About Us
Our Mission
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, we build simple, decent houses in Kittitas County with donations of money and material and the dedicated participation of volunteers and the partner families selected to become homeowners.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 5.4 million households face worst-case housing conditions. These families receive little or no government assistance and are unable to find a safe, decent home at a price they can afford. Habitat is committed to filling that gap. It is our conviction that every person, regardless of race or religion, should have a decent, safe, affordable place to live.
Habitat is not an overnight solution to families in crisis housing, nor is it a giveaway program. Partner families must invest between 350 and 500 hours of sweat equity, working alongside hundreds of volunteers to build their home and other Habitat homes in our community. Each house is sold to the partner family at no profit to Habitat, and homes are financed with a no-interest or subsidized-interest loan on a 20- to 30-year mortgage. Homeowners' monthly mortgage payments help build Habitat homes for new partner families. Habitat staff and volunteers work closely with partner families to ensure they become successful, long-term homeowners who thrive and contribute to our community.
Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity is one of 1,500 affiliates in the U.S. Since our inception in 1993, we've built nine homes in Ellensburg and we dedicated our first home in Kittitas in May 2011. Our affiliate's longterm goal is to build one house per year for every 10,000 Kittitas County residents. For the first time, we will build two houses simultaneously in 2012.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, we build simple, decent houses in Kittitas County with donations of money and material and the dedicated participation of volunteers and the partner families selected to become homeowners.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 5.4 million households face worst-case housing conditions. These families receive little or no government assistance and are unable to find a safe, decent home at a price they can afford. Habitat is committed to filling that gap. It is our conviction that every person, regardless of race or religion, should have a decent, safe, affordable place to live.
Habitat is not an overnight solution to families in crisis housing, nor is it a giveaway program. Partner families must invest between 350 and 500 hours of sweat equity, working alongside hundreds of volunteers to build their home and other Habitat homes in our community. Each house is sold to the partner family at no profit to Habitat, and homes are financed with a no-interest or subsidized-interest loan on a 20- to 30-year mortgage. Homeowners' monthly mortgage payments help build Habitat homes for new partner families. Habitat staff and volunteers work closely with partner families to ensure they become successful, long-term homeowners who thrive and contribute to our community.
Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity is one of 1,500 affiliates in the U.S. Since our inception in 1993, we've built nine homes in Ellensburg and we dedicated our first home in Kittitas in May 2011. Our affiliate's longterm goal is to build one house per year for every 10,000 Kittitas County residents. For the first time, we will build two houses simultaneously in 2012.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and the immeasurable effect it has on its partner families, please click this link to HFHI's video on YouTube, "What We Build."
Committees
Your input counts! Indeed, it is essential to the vitality and growth of KC Habitat. Share your valued expertise and care for others while collaborating with like-minded people who want to fulfill the mission of Habitat. It's a meaningful way to show you care about our community and want to provide your neighbors with the opportunity to raise their families in safe, secure, affordable homes.
Each committee contributes to our mission. Read on to see where you might lend the gift of your experience, expertise, time and effort to KCHFH.
Building Committee
Coordinates building projects. This committee makes plans, estimates material and costs, and works directly with the construction supervisor to oversee the build.
Church and Community Relations Committee
Develops relationships with local churches and community groups. Committee members communicate the needs of KC Habitat, garner support for our mission and promote the importance of Christian stewardship.
Family Support Committee
Guides and educates partner families through each phase of the building process to ensure they have the knowledge and resources necessary to be successful, long-term homeowners. Committee members also keep track of partner families' sweat equity hours, help them problem-solve and introduces them to their new neighbors.
Some members of this committee become partner family mentors who work closely with a specific partner family during the construction period and for one year afterward, assisting the family as they transition through homeownership.
Family Selection Committee
Guides interested families through the application process. Committee members review applications and interview potential partner families. They then make a recommendation to the Board of Directors, who vote on the recommendation.
Land Acquisition and Contracts Committee
Seeks out and evaluates opportunities to obtain land through purchase or donation and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding land acquisitions. Committee members also review contracts and resolve legal issues.
Resource Development Committee
Coordinates and implements fundraising campaigns, coordinates grant proposals and oversees Habitat Store activities. Committee members also educate the community about Habitat for Humanity's mission and our goals for Kittitas County.
Administrative Committee
Oversees personnel-related issues, ensures affiliate policies and procedures are in order and keeps historical records and data.
For more information about committee activities and opportunities, contact Linda Rush, volunteer coordinator, (509) 962-5058 or kchabitat@gmail.com.
Board of Directors
If you can contribute to one of our committees and wish to help in the planning and development of Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity as we carry out the mission of Habitat for Humanity, consider joining our board of directors.
Board of Directors
Jeff LaValley, President
Peter Later, Vice President
Suzanne Little, Secretary
Ben Eckley, Treasurer
Jack Frost
Marc Kirkpatrick
Vern McGee
Marc Rich
Sandy Senger
Susan Waddle
Staff
Executive Director
Sherri Ott
509.962.5058
ehabitat@fairpoint.net
Volunteer Coordinator
Linda Rush
509.962.5058
linda.rush@kchabitat.org
Construction Coordinator
Thad Vaughn
509.962.5058
Habitat Store Manager
David Thompson
509.962.7378
Habitat Store Floor Manager
Caresse Brand
509.962.7378
caresse.brand@kchabitat.org
DSHS Intake Specialist
Caresse Brand
509.962.5058
ceresse.brand@kchabitat.org
