Stuff the Truck!
On Saturday, April 22, there was a frenzy of activity at the Community Center parking lot as residents brought items they wanted to share with Habitat for Humanity ranging from beds, lamps, dressers, and many more, to donate to the organization and put in the truck. "Stuff the Truck" events are held at the Fairfield Harbour Community Center twice yearly. Items in good condition are accepted, and details can be found on the ReStore page of the website: https://cravencountyhabitat.org/restore/. Items can be dropped off at the store at 930 Pollock Street during regular hours of operation. If things are too big to drop off, call 252-633-5512, and the truck will schedule a pick-up. It's that easy to donate.
Affordable Housing from Habitat.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has gained worldwide recognition as an organization that helps provide affordable housing for everyone. Many organization associates, including Former President Carter and his wife Rosalyn, have supported the organization. There has been an active chapter here in New Bern (Habitat for Humanity of Craven County) for over 30 years. Fairfield Harbor resident Rose MacNeal is an active part of this organization.
When Rose and her husband moved here from Connecticut in 2016 to build their own home in Fairfield Harbour in 2017, finding her volunteer home with the Coastal Women's Forum and Habitat for Humanity didn't take long. She has served on the board of these organizations and is the current President & Chair of the Board for Habitat for Humanity here in New Bern. Rose had worked with helping people obtain affordable housing in her professional career with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. Her passion had always been helping everyone have affordable housing and live a better life. She did this by helping first-time homebuyers with mortgage information and training lenders and real estate agencies to help new homeowners. She had volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Connecticut, where she helped build a home for a family with two young children. Rose said, "It's not an easy job, but when you see a new homeowner's grin as they cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony and are given the keys to their new home, it's all worth it."
It is easy to volunteer with this wonderful organization. Anyone 18 or older can sign up to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Craven County via the website: https://cravencountyhabitat.org/volunteer/. Experienced construction workers are always welcomed, but volunteering with Habitat is not a requirement, and many have learned construction skills on the job. Learning to drive a nail, paint, and help put a window in place is great fun. Volunteers are always needed in the ReStore and the administrative offices. The proceeds from Habitat ReStores go to the community's Habitat for Humanity office to help build homes. Then, the funds are put to work in the local community. Make a trip to your local ReStore to find that hidden treasure or piece of furniture your home needs.
Rose stated, "Although we get some grant funding, donations are still needed to help us with our building efforts. You can easily sign up to become a GEM donor (Giving Every Month)." https://cravencountyhabitat.charityproud.org/Donate It is easy, and funds are charged to your credit card monthly via our secure site.