U.S. Budget Priorities |
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IHMs Lend a Hand to Habitat By Mary Agnes, Ryan, IHM The IHM community has a long history with Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. It was the inspiration, insight and tireless efforts of Harriet Fitzmaurice, IHM in the 1980s and 90s which brought Habitat to Monroe. She and a number of others working in parishes in Monroe 'saw a need' and did everything they could to help address it. They knew that affordable housing for the city's low-income families had to be one of their priorities. They also recognized that Habitat for Humanity shared a similar passion regarding housing for the poor. Since those early days, IHMs have continued to be involved in Habitat's mission serving on the Board of Directors, volunteering at the annual "builds" and participating in some of Habitat's fund-raisers. Currently, there is a group of twenty-six IHM Sisters, Associates and friends who serve at Habitat worksites registering volunteers.
During these years of recession and profound financial hardship for so many, Habitat for Humanity has not only continued to work throughout the world on behalf of its original mission, but is now ranked among the ten largest home builders in the United States. This year, five thousand homes were built, repaired and/or rehabilitated in the U.S. Between fifteen and twenty-two homes will have been readied for occupancy in Monroe this year. There are now sixty-two |
It seems probable that Harriet as well as each of the original 'dreamers' would be astounded at Habitat's local as well as international evolution over the years. Countless homes have built in numerous countries. Here in Monroe, houses are being readied for deserving families in a program called "Community Engagement." Throughout the year, three days a week, homes are being worked on here in Monroe. The number of volunteers involved has grown. Families with special needs are being helped as homes providing accessibility for each person is provided. 
families living in lovely homes provided by the insight, dedication and labor of dreamers and volunteers from this community. Harriet and her cohort obviously helped plant a seed which just keeps on giving!