Ninety days to raise $90,000 for Habitat
George Sutherland has a simple solution to resolve a big problem, give him $10.
Sutherland, the temporary executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, needs to raise $90,000 by March 31.
Habitat is on schedule to complete three homes this year, but to do that takes money - big money. With the slowdown in the real estate market, two prime sources - the St. Joe Foundation and Emerald Coast Association of Realtors - haven’t been available to provide the funding Sutherland needs.
Sutherland was a volunteer for the United Way in Maine and believes he can raise enough money to complete the houses that are designated 13, 14, and 15.
He contacted the Walton County Chamber of Commerce for a list of employers that have a large number of employees. He intends to set up meetings with the staff at each company, give his little spiel and ask everyone to donate $10. With a match from the employer, he believes his goal is attainable.
Sitting down with Sutherland, listening not only to his plan, but the stories he plans to share with his audience, there’s a feeling he might be successful. Sutherland talks of applicants with living in deplorable conditions that hope to be selected for a Habitat home. He also shares the testimonies of Habitat housing recipients to persuade listeners to donate.
“After all what’s $10? Why not skip a couple of lattes?” he challenges.
With families living in substandard housing and others hoping to have a place to call home, it is easy to understand Sutherland’s passion. When he arrived in South Walton, he got his real estate license and dabbled in the market. He has a feel for what’s out there and knows housing is not affordable for day laborers, but also even for skilled workers who make too little to qualify for a mortgage.
Coming right after the holidays, Sutherland knows his task is daunting, but he’s willing to work with anyone that wants to contribute.
“Look at it this way,” he said, “put aside 75 cents a week for 13 weeks and you will have $10.”
That contribution combined with others, might help build a home for a co-worker or the grocery store clerk or someone you might never meet, but who needs a decent home.
For the next 13 weeks, the Walton Sun will present “News from Habitat,” with building updates, testimonials and stories of those who have applied for housing.
To arrange a presentation, call (850) 835-0067.