gr-habitat

‘Leaders Build Day’ brings volunteers together to construct home for Rochester family

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:49:39 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Local business and community leaders came together Friday to build a home for a good cause.

It was “Leaders Build Day,” with Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. The volunteers worked side-by-side to build a Habitat home on Garson Avenue in Rochester.

“Those are the kind of people that you want moving into neighborhoods, that are gonna care about the home they’re moving into, care about the neighborhood they’re moving into,” said Ted Messner from Messner Flooring.

Messner was among the volunteers who participated in the build. Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to house communities by building homes from the ground up.

Want to volunteer yourself? Click here to signup and learn more .

Original Article: https://www.whec.com/local/leaders-build-day-brings-volunteers-together-to-construct-home-for-rochester-family/

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity Appoints Kim Brumber as Chief Executive Officer

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:58:31 GMT

ROCHESTER, NY — Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (GRHFH) has appointed Kim Brumber as its new Chief Executive Officer. She will officially begin her role on March 23, 2026.

Brumber brings 27 years of executive leadership experience spanning nonprofit management, organizational transformation, executive coaching, and community development. She has served 23 years as a nonprofit executive, leading complex organizations through strategic growth, financial turnaround, and mission expansion.

“I’m honored to lead an organization that recognizes homeownership as more than just having a roof over your head; it’s about creating stability and opportunity for individuals and families to thrive. It’s transformative,” said Brumber. “When we help someone become a homeowner, we’re not just handing them keys; we’re opening doors to better health, stronger communities, and brighter futures for themselves and their children. That’s the work that gets me up in the morning."

Throughout her career, Brumber has led significant organizational transformations. She directed the merger of five companies into a sustainable enterprise, guided multiple turnaround efforts, and aligned people, strategy, and systems to strengthen long-term impact. She has raised more than $20 million in capital to create loan opportunities for high-risk borrowers and secured investors for a complex $56 million real estate development project. Her experience also includes oversight of multiple Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments.

Brumber’s appointment signals a continued commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable homeownership across Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties. Under her leadership, Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity will build on its strong foundation while advancing sustainable growth, financial strength, and long-term community impact.

Original Article: https://rbj.net/2026/02/27/greater-rochester-habitat-ceo-kim-brumber/

Habitat for Humanity unveils first two-story modular home in Rochester

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:32:45 GMT

Rochester, N.Y. - The start of a new chapter of homeownership in the area.

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity celebrated Rochester's first two-story modular home on Friday in the Beechwood neighborhood.

The nonprofit says the modular building process slashes construction time and costs, helping more families get safe and affordable homes faster.

It also says frame-based house construction will continue, as it helps teach volunteers valuable technical skills.

Original Article: https://13wham.com/news/local/habit-for-humanity-unveils-first-two-story-modular-home-in-rochester

Buy the Block housing initiative: Second phase completed

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:28:21 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Friday, the City of Rochester’s Mayor Malik Evans celebrated the second phase of the Buy the Block Housing Initiative with a ribbon cutting.

Created in 2022, the Buy the Block Program focuses on providing new and energy efficient homes on vacant lots in neighborhoods historically impacted by redlining.

The new homes are then sold to qualified first-time home buyers who will spend no more than 30 percent of their income on the mortgage.

Alongside Mayor Evans, other city officials and Habitat for Humanity were in the Bulls Head neighborhood to cut the ribbon on new homes on Superior Street.

"Because on this street, there are three new houses, and after today I would hope we’ll start to talk about the three new homes that are on this street today because of the good work of so many people," President and CEO of Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity Matt Flanigan said. "Many who are standing behind me and many who are standing in front of me, the work that has gone on with all of this community to build these three homes and the others that will soon follow is awe inspiring."

Buy the Block applications are still open, and interested home buyers can learn more on the City’s website .

Original Article: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/rochester/buy-the-block-housing-initiative-second-phase-completed/

Founding member of Habitat for Humanity still designing kitchens at 96 years old

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:44:51 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Habitat for Humanity has been building homes from the ground up since 1984. It’s an all-volunteer non-profit that donates these homes to the community in need.

"As you had time, people came and you just fit it into whatever needed to be done that day. And then the next week you come back, and a lot of things have happened, and you fit it in again,” Otto Muller-Girard, a founding member, explained. “We started building houses that were one story, built houses that were accommodating, handicapped people. And so they all had different configurations. So about 2002, it kind of exploded into having a lot of different designs and inventing more cabinet types to put into the kitchens."

What you need to know

The Habitat for Humanity has been building strength and resiliency through providing the community safe places to call home since 1984
Otto Muller-Girard is a founding member who started volunteering in his 50s through church
He's designed 122 kitchens since 2007, and his most recent was just last year at age 95

Muller-Girard started volunteering back in the 80s through his church. The team built many things without any power tools. Still working as an engineer in his 50s at the time, his role grew to be a lead designer for the organization's cabinets.

"I’ve done that all my life — designed things," he said.

Cabinet production kicked off in 2002. He was one of the leaders pioneering the mission and bringing in a strong team of dedicated volunteers.

"In that 22 or 24 years that we've been building cabinets, we generate about 12 cabinets, 12 kitchens a year. So that’s quite a few cabinets that we’ve built over the years. And it’s nice to see them go out into the houses," said team leader Norm Lurie.

Muller-Girard has designed 122 kitchens since 2007.

"They’re like my children; I love them all," he laughed.

He designed his most recent kitchen just last year — when he was 95 years old.

"It's wonderful to be able to see somebody of that generation that has been able to do physical things like that for so many years. He's got a fantastic attitude," admitted Richard Hochman, a newer volunteer.

"He's a great teacher, and he designed all this stuff," said Ken Sechrist, a long-time volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. "We have to give tribute to ... he’s a guy, his age, doing what he’s doing, still laying out kitchens."

Muller-Girard has contributed quite a bit throughout the years. At 96 years old, he's less of a handyman these days, but he’s still excited to help out and give back however he can.

"He might be helping us out again with his CAD system. Just depending. If he wants a little work, I have some more work for him to do," Lurie chuckled.

"It's fun, it's really fun," Muller-Girard smiled and said. "It brings back all those memories of the past, you know? Because we've been going together a long time."

Original Article: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/rochester/news/2025/06/06/building-homes-for-decades

Maintaining independence at home

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:26:14 GMT

It’s difficult for Richard to climb the stairs to his bedroom and his home’s only bathroom. The 79-year-old has limited mobility due to several health issues. Richard’s wife, 78-year-old Carolyn, has mobility issues, too. She was determined to remain in their beloved family home, but not having a safe way to access the second floor made that dream feel impossible.

Habitat for Humanity works to help homeowners like Richard and Carolyn make home repairs and modifications that can accommodate their evolving needs as they age. We help them stay in the homes they love and the communities that they care about because we know that older adults who age in place have a better quality of life and better health outcomes .

Crafting a plan for home accessibility

Safer homes, fuller lives

With more than 19 million older adults in the U.S. like Richard and Carolyn living in homes that no longer adequately meet their needs, Lowe’s and Habitat have committed to ensuring that residents receive the help they need to make their homes safe and livable . Together, in 2024, we  repaired 364 homes across the U.S. Much of this work included critical home repairs and home modifications to help older adults.

Mother battling breast cancer gets early Christmas gift: a home built by all-women team

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:19:26 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A single mother in Rochester can already picture what her future home will look like for Christmas. The home is getting built by a team of all women, and they all invited News10NBC’s Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean to the front door.

“Overwhelmed. Amazing. Proud,” Alex said, standing on the porch of her new home.

Alex is getting used to the view that will be her new home one block off East Main Street. For family reasons, they ask that we not share her last name.

“I never thought something like this would happen to me,” Alex said. “And because it has I just take everyday in.”

Inside she directed the women applying the first coat of paint in what will be her new living room. This is a Habitat for Humanity house, but it’s more than that. Just about everything was built by women.

Berkeley Brean, News10NBC: “What’s the pay off?”

Carolyn Whitfield, Women Build Program, Habitat for Humanity: “The pay off is we learn new skills. We’ve done everything on this house from the foundation to the framing to the siding to the flooring the finishing.”

Carolyn Whitfield helps run the Women Build Program. Women Build started in the late 90’s. Whitfield got started through her church ministry about 15 years ago. Now they pay for and build one house a year. This one is their 20th.

Carolyn Whitfield: “Well around Christmastime we’re always hoping that the house is finished enough that the family can picture themselves being in their for a holiday.”

Berkeley Brean: “Can you picture that Christmas will look like?”

Alex: “This is the picture for me. This is it for me. There’s nothing else I need to look at. There is nothing else I need to see because having this house is our gift.”

Berkeley Brean: “What difference is this going to make for you and your kids?”

Alex: “More love. More joy. More peace. And more fun.”

The rules are the homeowner has to do some of the labor. But get this, Alex is dealing with breast cancer right now and had surgery in November. So they let her supervise. It becomes her home early next year.

Original Article: https://www.whec.com/local/mother-battling-breast-cancer-gets-early-christmas-gift-a-home-built-by-all-women-team/

Habitat for Humanity celebrates anniversary with ReStore sale

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:27:58 GMT

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in BayTowne Plaza is celebrating its first anniversary with a special sale Friday and Saturday.

The nonprofit home improvement and donation center is offering a sale of 50 to 75 percent off donated items.

At ReStore, people can donate furniture, lightly used construction materials, clothing, and more. Habitat for Humanity recycles and up-cycles items, and directs the proceeds to help support its mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

President and CEO Matt Flanigan told News 8 what shoppers can find when visiting the BayTowne Plaza location.

“It’s the kind of place you want to come when you have a little time to explore,” he said. “If you’re in a hurry, you’ll still probably do okay … and recognize what we’re selling is donated products, so it’s going to change again and again. Come back next week, come back next month, it’s going to look different then when you were here last.”

In addition to the sale, all ReStore shoppers are invited to a free cookout from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

Original Article: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/business/local-business/habitat-for-humanity-celebrates-anniversary-with-restore-sale/

Rochester Habitat for Humanity expands, thanks to $300,000 KeyBank grant

Thu, 30 May 2024 16:56:23 GMT

Rochester, N.Y. — The Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity announced on Saturday that it will expand its Habitat Homebuyer Program thanks to a $300,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation.

The announcement was made at 560 Garson Avenue, the site of a new Habitat for Humanity home which KeyBank teammates helped build.

"Homeownership helps families build wealth, strengthens communities, and helps neighborhoods grow and thrive block by block here in Rochester and across Western New York," said KeyBank Rochester Market President Vince Lecce. "We are excited to invest in and partner with Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity as they find transformative and innovative ways to make our community stronger by making homeownership more accessible and sustainable for all."

The grant will help Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity double its impact on the communities it serves and expand its financial literacy training and counseling services.

The funds will also help the organization serve an additional 50 families, or approximately 150 individuals, over the next two years.

Original Article: https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/other-sources/article/?id=14983936

Bright Spot: Rochester Woman Build team breaks ground on 20th Women Build House

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:06:45 GMT

Rochester, N.Y. — Our Bright Spot shines on Habitat for Humanity's Women Build. It's International Women's Day, and on Friday, the Rochester Woman Build team broke ground on their 20th 'Women Build' House.

Every year, women's teams fundraise and volunteer to build a Habitat for Humanity home.

Almost all of the homes have gone to single mothers and their children.

"Women Build is extra special because it's women helping other women, and we empower women in the process of building the house, so all of that makes it really special to me," said Pamela Bradley, chair, Women Build Steering Committee for the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity.

Our kudos to them, and we wish them a Happy International Women's Day!

Original Article: https://13wham.com/features/bright-spot/bright-spot-rochester-woman-build-team-breaks-ground-on-20th-women-build-house

New home brings new beginning for Rochester family through Habitat For Humanity

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 21:06:52 GMT

It’s a new beginning for a single mother in Rochester, as she moves her family into their new home thanks to Greater Rochester Habitat For Humanity.

Shuane Williams has taken personal loss as an opportunity to give back. In 2013, she lost her son to gun violence.

“It was the most senseless thing to happen to our family, and I think that if you stay in the community and you see things happen, you can’t stay angry. So, what do you do, right?” said Williams.

She decided to create a youth advocacy program to give Rochester kids support and a voice.

“It was something we started for our children to be able to advocate for themselves. We wanted children to be able to stand up on their own and be able to speak about things going on with them. We find out they speak to themselves more than they speak to us,” she said.

Williams and her daughters will soon move into the new home in the Beechwood neighborhood, with the help of Habitat For Humanity.

She is the first homebuyer in her family, and also had a hand in construction, putting in 300 hours of work toward the build.

“This is a dream come true for me. I’ve literally been trying to do this since my son passed away. Not only did Habitat nail it, they gave me exactly what I wanted,” said Williams.

“There’s something really solid about an owner-occupant who moves into a neighborhood, puts their stake down and says, ‘I’m going to take care of this neighborhood because this is where I live.’ They’re more likely to look out the window and say what needs to be fixed versus turning the other way and wondering when something’s going to happen,” said Matt Flanigan, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Habitat For Humanity.

Williams says she didn’t turn away from the city after the loss of her son. She reflects on the decision to stay as this new chapter begins.

“So many people run away from the violence in this community. So many people go, ‘Oh, well this should happen, and we should do this.’ Then, they move out. So, how are you helping your community if you’re not here? In order to help your community, you have to stay inside your community. So, it’s very important for me to stay here in the city of Rochester,” said Williams.

This home build is the second of 2024 for Habitat For Humanity. It was also made possible through a partnership with Avangrid and RG&E as well as Bank of America.

Original Article: https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/new-home-brings-new-beginning-for-rochester-family-through-habitat-for-humanity/

'It feels like a dream come true': Local family celebrates new women-built home from Habitat for Humanity

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:38:27 GMT

Rochester, N.Y. - A Rochester family is earning a fresh start with a new home in the city.

The Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity dedicated the home on Friday at a celebration with the homeowner, Angelica Pagan, and her two sons.

"It feels good," said Dereck Beltran, Pagan's son. "It feels like a dream come true because first, I wanted to have a new room so that's good that we're going to have one in a couple weeks."

An all-women team of more than 100 builders constructed the house as part of the women build program.

Pagan also put in 200 hours toward building her home.

"I am so delighted to be here to dedicate the nineteenth women-build house that has been built in Rochester and I'm very glad that it's going to you Angelica," said Pam Bradley, chair of the steering committee for the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity.

"They do all the fundraising and then they do all the building and you’ll hear their phrases like ‘give a woman a power tool and she’ll change the world,'" said Matt Flanigan, the president and CEO of the organization. "Well behind me is a living example of just that."

Pagan fled Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. She is now the first person in her family to buy a home, which was a major goal of hers.

"Thank you for Rochester Habitat for giving me this great opportunity to be able to provide my children with a safe home, but above all, achieve a dream," said Beltran as he read a letter written by his mother. "Something that I saw far away, but never impossible."

Pagan hopes her home remains a reminder that it's never too late to follow your dreams.

"She said, basically, never stop dreaming and always chase your dreams," said Beltran on behalf of his mother.

Original Article: https://13wham.com/news/local/it-feels-like-a-dream-come-true-local-family-celebrates-new-women-built-home-from-habitat-for-humanity

Big Thank You to Avangrid for Additional Gift

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:45:38 GMT

Avangrid, the parent company of RG&E, donated $10,000 to Habitat for humanity to help restore what was taken from the build site on Garson Avenue.

In the News

New ReStore Relocation Brings Larger Retail Capacity

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 16:03:22 GMT

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity celebrated the grand opening of a new resale store in August, which will benefit the community in considerable ways.

In the News

Where Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity is building houses and how to apply

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:44:30 GMT

A 2019 study by Habitat for Humanity found that homeownership and community can impact a person’s health and well-being.

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity is making homeownership possible for families across Monroe County and beyond.

Since the Flower City Habitat for Humanity, Ontario County Habitat for Humanity, and Wayne County Habitat for Humanity affiliates merged in January, the new organization has expanded their services and outreach.

The current plan is to build:

11 houses in Rochester’s EMMA/Beechwood neighborhood
two in Ontario County
one in Wayne County

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity said it hopes to bring stability and comfort to families while giving them tools they need to grow economically.

Since joining the homebuyer program, Tammy Williams has been very excited to become a homeowner and recently discovered an interest in construction.

"I've already recommended it to other people. It's a thing where I won't have to worry about, you know, rent going up or eviction or bad neighbors. I won't have to worry about that anymore," said Williams.

According to a 2019 study completed by Habitat for Humaity , homeownership and community can impact a person’s health and well-being.

In the study, Renee Glover, former chair of Habitat for Humanity’s International board of directors states that homeownership provides people "feelings of stability and pride, as well as generating measurable results such as decreased doctor visits and increased high school graduation rates.”

In the city, the average high school student has a 71% chance of graduating and, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of children live in poverty.

In 2018, Habitat for Humanity of Rochester commissioned a study and found that 98% of the children in Rochester that grow up in houses built by Habitat for Humanity graduate from high school. And in the JOSANA neighborhood, all 100 of Habitat homes are half of a mile or less away from local schools.

Now, with a new Critical Home Repair Program , the volunteer-based organization aims to help homeowners of Monroe County preserve their homes.

Interested in becoming a homeowner or volunteer? Here’s what you need to know:

How do I become a Habitat homeowner?

In order to qualify for the Homebuyer Program, applicants must show proof of:

Ability to pay
Applicants must be able to maintain a steady source of income required for their household size and good credit. A credit report will be ran for qualification and monitored quarterly while applicants work toward becoming homeowners. Each home will also have an AMI (Area Median Income) requirement depending on the size of a person's household.
Demonstration of need
If any of these examples is applicable to your current housing situation, you may be eligible for the program:
• Substandard: Anything deteriorating or broken that may cause health or safety issues
• Cost burdened: Rental payments are 35% or more of your total income
• Overcrowded: If an adult and child, more than two children, or two children of the opposite sex share a bedroom.
Willingness to partner
An applicant’s willingness to partner is their commitment to providing consistent work toward buying and maintaining a home. Examples include the following:
• Homebuyers must complete at least 300 hours of sweat equity.
• Homebuyers must attend financial literacy and other required educational classes.
• Homebuyers must meet with your volunteer coach at least once per month.
• Homebuyers must provide proof of income and savings once a month.
• Homebuyers must save a minimum of $75 each month toward the $2,300 down payment and closing cost requirement.
• Homebuyers must make on time monthly home mortgage payments.
• Homebuyers must maintain and repair the home after occupancy.

The organization also wants applicants to know that this program is highly publicized and should be prepared to share their story with media and publications if requested. However, not all projects will be publicized since safety and privacy are a primary concern.

What if I don’t meet the requirements for the Homebuyer Program?

There is a Homeward Bound program for anyone who does not meet the requirements for the Homebuyer program. This programs is meant to help aspiring homeowners get on track to buying a home through educational classes, partnering with agencies and being paired with a homebuyer coach.

Anything completed during the Homeward Bound program can be applied to the Homebuyer Program’s requirements.

Learn more about the program at grhabitat.org/homeownership .

How do I get repairs for my home?

Applications for the Critical Home Repair program are currently closed.

Visit grhabitat.org/home-repair to learn more about the requirements and how to stay up to date.

How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteers will be asked to participate in house construction, shed building, landscaping and more. Individuals or groups looking to volunteer do not need experience in building or construction in order to participate and can sign-up at give.grhabitat.org/volunteer_calendar

A parental permission form is required for volunteers younger than 18, and anyone under the age of 16 interested in volunteering can find opportunities at grhabitat.org/student-volunteering

To learn more about volunteering at GRHFH visit grhabitat.org/construction-volunteering

Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair Program helps homeowners stay safe

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:05:44 GMT

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity celebrated a milestone recently with one of its newest programs aimed at keeping people’s homes safe and allowing them to live there longer.

The organization’s Critical Home Repair Program recently completed its 100th repair, in conjunction with National Homeowners and National Safety Month.

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity offers affordable home repair services to qualified homeowners in the three counties so they can continue to live in safe, decent homes.

The work helps to preserve homes and revitalize neighborhoods, according to the organization.

To qualify, the property:

Must be located within the GRHFH service area
The home must be owner-occupied, single-family house or mobile home and the primary residence of the owner
The home is in disrepair or unsafe and GRHFH’s scope of work will significantly benefit the homeowner longevity in the property, and
The home needs repair to areas of concern for health and/or safety needs including weatherization, roofing, mobility assistance, heating or stability.

Blake said there are currently over 100 applications that the organization is working through.

Most of the applications are from senior citizens or people with disabilities, but there are also some from young families, she noted. The organization also works with veterans seeking home repairs.

Habitat received roughly $400,000 this year to put toward the home repair program and the organization is continually seeking additional funding for the program, Blake noted.

ReStore award acknowledges growth and dedication

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:14:06 GMT

The Canandaigua ReStore was recently recognized as the ReStore of the Year for its consistent high performance and record sales by Habitat for Humanity New York State.

As number one in the state for sales per square foot, the Canandaigua based ReStore has managed continuous and unprecedented growth over the past ten years due in part to its leadership, but mainly due to the generosity of donations from the community at large and the dedication of its volunteers.

“We really credit a large part of our success to the core team of hardworking volunteers that help process donations and keep the store running. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do."

– Nash Bock, Chief Business and Innovation Officer, GRHFH

For the past twelve years, ReStore Manager Dale Reed paid careful attention to the details of what resale customers wanted and accepted only the items he knew would sell successfully. In the early days of the ReStore, many donations were of a construction nature including building products like windows and doors. As time evolved, the acceptance of donations broadened and today anyone shopping at the Canandaigua Restore will find original framed art, antiques, furniture, dishes, lighting, cameras, electronics, appliances, a wide variety of household items, clothing and so much more.

The ReStore has also supported other community organizations in a variety of ways including the Knights of Columbus and the Blessing Room at St Bridget’s in Bloomfield where they assist with deliveries of donated food and other items from local retailers. During the holidays, the ReStore truck and staff helps pass out turkeys as part of the Thanksgiving food distribution and has assisted Crosswinds Church in Canandaigua with Operation Christmas Child. The ReStore also receives items like cosmetics, grooming products, selected items of clothing and other items that can be used by women who have turned to Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes in Geneva. Children’s books that are donated to the ReStore are given to the local Rotary organization which they in turn pack up and send out to children in the US and overseas.

In 2022, Dale Reed retired after training his replacement, Melissa King, who had worked as his assistant for nearly a year.

“Dale built a strong foundation for the ReStore’s success and I hope to continue his legacy for the future.”

– Melissa King, ReStore Manager, Canandaigua location

Melissa surely has a tough act to follow, but has risin to the challenge and is setting her own creative ideas and goals into action. She leads the day-to-day operations of the ReStore, including sales and customer service, donation processing, pricing and merchandising. The ReStore has recently added quality clothing, including winter coats and shoes to its resale offerings. The income generated from the sale of these items, in one year alone, will pay for the foundation of the next Habitat home to be built. There are plans in place for more exciting changes and additions to keep the momentum going and serve more families locally.

“We are extremely grateful for our donors and the good quality items we receive. If it weren’t for our donors, volunteers, and the faithful customers we see weekly, we would not be as successful in our mission to fund homes and services for families in need.”

– Melissa King

Seeing Double (Twice)

Mon, 15 May 2023 20:16:53 GMT

National “Property Brothers” Twins Partner with Analogous Rochester Twins on Custom Project for Habitat’s First JOSANA Neighborhood House

Rochester, NY—Thanks to Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity (GRHH) and Habitat for Humanity® International , a very special partnership has taken place with acclaimed HGTV twins Drew and Jonathan Scott (The Property Brothers) and their analogous Rochester twins Edwin and Erwin Mageary, longtime Habitat Construction Site Supervisors (25 and 30 years, respectively).

The project is a pair of customized flower boxes signed by both sets of twins for Lissette F’s home, the very first of the 100 houses built in the JOSANA neighborhood by Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity.

“The JOSANA neighborhood is just one of many examples of Habitat’s commitment to building a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live,” said Matt Flanagan, GRHH president and CEO. “We are elated that Drew and Jonathan (Scott) understood the importance of this project and stepped right up with our own Mageary brothers to continue making a difference in the lives of our Rochester residents.”

Follow this link https://youtu.be/jVT010ejWfU for the video of identical twin brothers and long-standing Greater Rochester Habitat Construction Site Supervisors Edwin and Erwin Mageary installing the window boxes at Lissette’s house. Drew and Jonathan Scott added a bit of flair with an engraved note of encouragement.

Twenty-five years ago, Rochester’s historic Jay-Orchard Street neighborhood was broken by violence and crime, pervasive poverty, vacant lots and abandoned homes. The tragic shooting death in 2001 of 10-year-old Tyshaun Cauldwell drove the City of Rochester, its residents and social service organizations to make a change. The result was the formation of the Jay Orchard Street Area Neighborhood Association (JOSANA) to transform the community’s grief into multigenerational investment and opportunity.

In 2011, Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity committed to building 100 new homes in the JOSANA neighborhood within a half mile of Enrico Fermi School No. 17—where Tyshaun attended middle school. GRHH fulfilled that promise in early 2022 with the completion of the 100th home. GRHH has now begun conducting home repairs in the JOSANA neighborhood and has already begun revitalization projects in the nearby EMMA & Beechwood neighborhoods .

NOTE: Local interviews and photos are available on request.

About Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity:

Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity is a non-denominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties. With a combined 100-plus years of service, the Flower City, Ontario, and Wayne County affiliates merged in 2023 to create a stronger organization to assist families and a stronger voice to advocate for affordable housing solutions in the state. Since 1984, Greater Rochester Habitat and its volunteers have served more than 425 families with new homes, much-needed home repairs, and financial education. These Homebuyer families have put in 300+ hours of sweat-equity to earn and then purchase their home through an affordable 30-year mortgage. Greater Rochester Habitat has offices in Rochester, Canandaigua, and Newark and operates ReStores in Rochester and Canandaigua. For more information, visit www.GRHabitat.org

Three Habitat for Humanity Affiliates to Merge; Increase Impact for Greater Rochester Area Families

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:25:27 GMT

-WAYNE COUNTY AND ONTARIO COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AFFILIATES ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC MERGER WITH FLOWER CITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

-MERGER TO GENERATE NEARLY $1 MILLION IN ENHANCED REVENUES AND EXPENSE REDUCTION TO INCREASE FAMILIES SERVED IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS

-NEW ORGANIZATION TO BE CALLED GREATER ROCHESTER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

ROCHESTER, NY – Board members of Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Rochester, Canandaigua and Newark have voted unanimously to embark on a strategic merger of the three affiliates, creating one organization with a mission to serve more families more effectively than any of the three organizations could do on their own. Flower City Habitat in Rochester, Ontario County Habitat in Canandaigua and Wayne County Habitat in Newark will join forces under the new name of Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity in January 2023. With this merger the organization will be able to continue to serve low-to-moderate income families from Rochester to Geneva, with other communities to be included in the three-county area.

“With a combined 100-plus years of experience, we will have the unique opportunity to serve more families in need of affordable housing in our communities with new homes, rehabs of existing homes as well as critical repairs to help owners remain in their homes,” said Matthew J. Flanigan, Flower City Habitat CEO. “We are extremely excited by the increased impact Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity will have in our communities. We will be able to deliver upon our mission to serve families with safe, decent housing they can afford in a new, unified service area.”

The merger will create one new affiliate, serving a 3,400 square mile, three-county area. It will be the second largest Habitat affiliate by production in the state of New York and in the top 40 U.S. affiliates. The new organization will retain a presence in all three counties, including offices and ReStores. Following completion of the merger, Matthew Flanigan will serve as the President & CEO of the combined entity, Nash Bock will serve as chief business and innovation officer, and JJ Cotter will serve as vice president of programs. Bock and Cotter will continue in their roles as Executive Director of Ontario County and Wayne County Habitat, respectively, until the legal consolidation on January 2, 2023.

“The three ReStore locations in Rochester and Canandaigua are a critical part of our funding model and will continue to operate with the help of our donors and dedicated volunteers,” said Nash Bock, executive director of Ontario County Habitat for Humanity. “We look forward to building on our already strong support over the years and leveraging our combined talents to deliver greater impact for families and communities in each of the areas we have historically served.”

Together the three local Habitat for Humanity affiliates have a long and impressive history. Flower City Habitat was founded in 1984, Wayne County began in 1988 and Ontario County was established 1990. Combined, they have served nearly 350 area families with new homes, rehabilitated homes, and critical repairs. In 2021 alone, volunteers logged a combined 55,000 hours with a total of 1,600 volunteers, serving in ReStores, on construction sites and in offices. Homeowners-in-process across the region participated in financial education classes and collectively earned more than 4,000 hours of sweat equity toward the purchase of their homes.

“At the heart of the Habitat program is the hard-working families we serve,” said Wayne County executive director JJ Cotter. “By combining our resources, we are confident we will expand not only the number of families we assist but enhance the breadth and quality of the programs we offer—from financial counseling to aging in place resources.”

The new Habitat affiliate expects to retain current staff and all existing board members will be asked to join the new entity’s board. Combining the talents and resources of the three-county area is expected to create a powerful and experienced team, with additional resources to serve the community. The merger will bring operating efficiencies and the new entity expects to deploy financial resources into expanded or new programs and services.

Volunteers are critical to the success of all three local Habitats and will be vital to the continuing success of Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. Whether volunteering on a construction site or lending a hand in the ReStore, office or serving on a committee, there will continue to be opportunities to support the mission.

Between now and the merger’s expected effective date January 2, the three affiliates will continue to function as independent organizations.

About Flower City Habitat for Humanity

Flower City Habitat for Humanity (FCHH) is a non-denominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in Rochester, N.Y. FCHH’s mission is to build decent, affordable, single-family homes for families in need. Since 1984, FCHH has built or remodeled more than 250 homes across the City of Rochester, with over 100 of those homes located within the Greater JOSANA Neighborhood. Since launching the Critical Home Repair Program in 2019, FCHH has served over 90 families with needed home repairs. For more information, visit https://www.rochesterhabitat.org

About Ontario County Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and serve people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion. Since 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County has worked in partnership with over 54 low-income families to build and repair decent safe and affordable homes locally and supported more than 71 families internationally through direct volunteer and tithe support. For more information, visit https://ontariohabitat.org

About Wayne County Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County (HFHWC)’s mission is to mobilize volunteers, donors and partners to help local, low-income families break the cycle of poverty through affordable homeownership. HFHWC serves the entirety of Wayne County. Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity of Wayne County has built 27 homes in the county and served over 100 families and individuals. Homes are located in Newark, Sodus, North Rose, Clyde, Macedon, East Williamson, Lyons, Wolcott, Rose and Marion. For more information, visit https://www.habitatwayne.org

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-WAYNE COUNTY AND ONTARIO COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AFFILIATES ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC MERGER WITH FLOWER CITY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

-MERGER TO GENERATE NEARLY $1 MILLION IN ENHANCED REVENUES AND EXPENSE REDUCTION TO INCREASE FAMILIES SERVED IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS

﻿ -NEW ORGANIZATION TO BE CALLED GREATER ROCHESTER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

About Flower City Habitat for Humanity

About Ontario County Habitat for Humanity

About Wayne County Habitat for Humanity

Crafting a plan for home accessibility

-NEW ORGANIZATION TO BE CALLED GREATER ROCHESTER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY