As we look forward to the coming build season, I am pleased to tell you that Habitat plans to partner with seven families this year in the construction of their new homes. We will be starting four homes in the spring and three more l in the summer. This means that seven families will have the opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty and begin to build a stable financial future. These families will move from dilapidated or overcrowded shelter to new, energy efficient affordable homes, which will provide a safe, decent home for their children.

Seven families out of the over 200 who attend our orientation meetings each year will be helped in 2010. The need is so great, and our resources so few in comparison. Support is still needed as we position ourselves to help the 2010 families and beyond. The 2009 expansion of our ReStore has proved so successful; we now have an outside income stream that completely supports our office and staff. This means that every dollar that is donated to Habitat is used directly to purchase land or to build houses in partnership with our families.

We are so very grateful for your support. Over the last 25 years it has enabled us to help 121 families to a brighter future. Please join us again this year as we continue to build homes and build hope with seven more families here in McLean County.