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COLUMBUS — On April 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., local nonprofits and youth groups will gather for a day of fun and fundraising at the Colorado County Courthouse grounds at 400 Spring St. The Columbus Lions will be out in force to sell their famous Lions burgers while Victor Rodriguez will be back to sing and DJ for the event. Colorado County Habitat for Humanity will host a garage sale with 23 boxes of new clothes and a bounce house for the kids.
“Last year we had over 25 groups join us, and we need to expand to a bigger location,” Habitat Board Member Doris Klaus said, “This year we are again gathering youth groups, civic organizations, and nonprofits for another great day of music, games, crafts, and great food! The best part is that they get to keep the money they make that day, and everyone gets to connect and share ideas.”
“Connections Day is a nice spring day to make Lions burgers knowing we are helping Habitat help families in need and supporting all the other organizations at the event. Since Habitat started the Critical Home Repairs Program last year, they have helped more people in the community, especially our senior citizens,” Habitat volunteer and Lions member Steve McCullough said.
One of the first groups who signed up this year was Turtle Wing Foundation. They will sponsor a free game with goodies. “We are excited to join for the second year in a row because it’s important to connect with people, other nonprofits, and the community,” said executive director Destiny Siptak, “The mission of Turtle Wing Foundation is to help individuals with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential by providing access to a shared network of emotional, educational, and therapeutic resources.”
The idea for Community Connections Day started three years ago when Colorado County Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 25th Anniversary. It turned out to be a day of fun and awareness building, while supporters and families were able to build and take home souvenir Habitat birdhouses.
Starting in 1996, CCHFH has been building simple homes for local families. In 2008, a generous donation allowed CCHFH to build two houses a year. Today they are working on their 30th house located in Alleyton, TX. Habitat sells these homes to families at affordable prices because they charge zero interest, and some labor is donated by volunteers. Homeowners are required to attend financial classes and dedicate 200 hours of sweat equity by working on the homes. Last year, Habitat Homeowners paid almost $40,000 in local property taxes.
In June 2023, CCHFH started the Critical Home Repairs Program, which primarily serves senior citizens in the county without a safety net. Unhealthy homes make for unhealthy citizens. Since June 2023, CCHFH has helped eight families and spent almost $50,000 on critical repairs from home leveling to roof repair, wheelchair accessible showers and much needed air conditioning systems. To qualify for repairs, homeowners must be at least 65 years old who occupy and own their homes, meet income limits and be current on debt obligations like mortgages and property taxes. While the program was initially started to help homeowners of all ages, CCHFH decided to primarily serve senior citizens to allocate resources and help the most in need.
In conjunction with Community Connections Day, CCHFH is holding its first Spring Drawing. Dr Troy and Sheri Millican donated prizes so all proceeds will go towards the Critical Home Repairs Program. Contact CCHFH and volunteers to purchase a ticket.
Melanie King of the Healing Oasis has been spearheading the first Habitat Spring Drawing and donated its printing. “Habitat homes give people a hand-up to better the lives of their families. Habitat repairs help our neighbors who are not able to afford these needed repairs in other ways.
For those who would like to support Colorado Habitat and local nonprofits and youth groups, please reach out to Colorado County Habitat for Humanity at 979-732-5677 or [email protected].
