Local Habitat affiliate plans projects and strategies during the pandemic

Habitat for Humanity of Camp County, TX Inc. is taking action to protect its board, volunteers and the people it serves during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Board President Mike Laing stated that these measures are based on guidance from Habitat for Humanity International and local, state and national government and public health authorities. We are continually monitoring the situation, and our approach may change as new guidance is provided.

“Given the current circumstances in our area, our ramp builds to help our neighbors with accessibility challenges and work on the new home on Henderson Street being built for and with the family of a Pittsburg ISD employee will continue” according to Vice President and Construction Manager, Scottie Traylor. The rains have complicated scheduling of work, but it is hoped there will be ramp builds on Saturday, April 4th and April 18th.  Times and locations will be posted on their Facebook page and the Camp County Talks page. In addition, families wanting to get out in the fresh air are encouraged to volunteer by bringing work gloves and a garbage bag to pick up trash and debris that has blown in or been thrown out around the Henderson Street work site east of North Highway 271.  Please text Linda Baxter, Executive Director, at 903-767-2306 what time you will be there so they can safely monitor how many people will be on site. Additional updates will be sent out as conditions change.

Unfortunately, due to the number of people involved, the affiliate’s Annual Garage Sale fundraiser featuring recyclable materials, donated furniture and appliances, normally held in April, is being postponed.  If you have materials and items you would like to donate for this fundraiser, please call or text the ED at the number above.  

East Texas Giving Day, a day when communities have the opportunity to participate in an online fundraiser for many nonprofit service organizations in Camp County and East Texas, will still be held all day, Tuesday, April 28th.  Camp Habitat has been blessed with the opportunity to have $7,500 in matching funds available which means all donations made will be doubled until that amount is reached. This is triple the amount that was available to the affiliate in previous years,  The money raised will be used for the current new home build and a Disabled Veteran Rehab scheduled for this fall. With the critical health and economic situation currently affecting Camp County and East Texas, the affiliate appreciates the support of everyone that may be able to see their way clear to donate during this event to all local organizations working to create the best habitat for all in area.

While Camp Habitat continues to move forward, the Board asks volunteers who feel unwell or have traveled recently to one of the areas designated by the CDC as level 3 or on a cruise ship, refrain from joining a Habitat event or builds or going by the office. Similarly, if a member of your household has potentially been exposed to the virus through travel or other means, seek medical guidance and also refrain from participating.

The board of Camp Habitat thanks everyone, including local businesses including B&S Supply, Atlas Shingles, Stephenson Dirt, Cowboy Plumbing, Bull’s Construction, Home Depot, Century 21, Norbord, Pittsburg Gazette, and others for their continued support as they and our community navigates this public health crisis together.  May you be healthy, may you be well, and may you and yours feel God’s love around you.

Habitat International Director, Jonathan T.M. Reckford, joins with us all in prayer:   “May those of us who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember the most vulnerable. May we who settle in for quarantine at home remember those who have no home. As fear grips our country, let us choose love.”