It is hard to believe it has been 9 weeks since COVID-19 disrupted Habitat’s work. We are grateful for your continued support as we have navigated through these unprecedented times. We are working to get back on track but getting back to work will look a little different as we transition through the phases of recovery. Habitat has adopted a 5-Phase Response Plan. Last week, we entered Phase 3 with the Habitat staff returning to the office with new safety protocols in place. Little by little we will work to resume normal operations, but throughout the steps, you can expect new safety precautions to be in place – face mask, hand sanitizer, social distancing, temperature checks and other precautionary measures will be part of our regular operating procedures for at least the foreseeable future. The safety of our staff, volunteers, applicants, future homeowners, homeowners, donors, and others we partner with is our highest priority.

During Phase 3, Habitat’s operations will be affected in the following ways:

1. The Habitat office has re-opened but is opened by appointment only. If you need an in-person meeting, please call the office at (812) 423-5623.

2. Applications for homeownership being taken online through www.evansvillehabitat.org. We will also mail applications to those who do not have access to a computer or the internet.

3. For the most part, homeowner classes are being held online through Zoom. In some instances, where social distancing can be maintained, small classes of 10 participants may be offered.

4. Sweat equity deadlines are extended by the 9 weeks that Habitat operations were interrupted. Birdie Harrison, our Family Services Director, will be available to answer any future homeowner’s specific questions.

5. Construction site volunteer and construction site sweat equity opportunities will begin slowly, with groups of 10 or less allowed on the build site in the coming weeks. Only volunteers and future homeowners who have registered in advance will be allowed on the build site. This will ensure we have appropriate safety measures in place each day.

6. The ReStore has re-opened with 25 shoppers allowed in the store at one time. Donation pick-ups have resumed, and donation drop-offs are always appreciated. Special measures are in place to disinfect donations and safeguard the staff and shoppers at the ReStore.

We hope that Vanderburgh and Posey Counties’ COVID-19 cases continue to decrease so that we can move to Phase 4 in June, but we will follow official guidelines when making that final call closer to that time.

As we move forward through the recovery phases, we pray for your continued good health and that God’s blessing continues to pour out through your work with Habitat. Because of your support, 520 families have been able to have a decent home in which to shelter-in-place and that is a blessing indeed!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Beth at bfolz@evansvillehabitat.org or by calling the office at (812) 423-5623.