Special to The PREVIEW
Earlier this year, Cindi Galabota, our first-ever executive director, moved from staff to a volunteer position as she began to pursue new career endeavors. Following Cindi’s departure, Rebecca Anderson assumed the executive director position. Anderson served on the board of directors prior to joining the staff.
Steve Koneman, our construction supervisor, followed a new career opportunity that led him away from Pagosa Springs. We were fortunate that Lincoln Frye, a longtime resident of Pagosa and skilled contractor, took over the construction supervisor role.
Patty Brown will continue as our bookkeeper and volunteer coordinator until early 2015. We are pleased that she will remain involved as a volunteer. We are in the process of selecting a new bookkeeper.
Our current board roster: Kyle Cox, president; Terry Jackson, vice president; open, treasurer; Bill Darling, secretary; Terry Pickett, director-repairs; Art Dilione, director-community interface; open, director-family services; open, director-new construction; open, director-faith relations.
As you can see, we have several open seats on the board. Some of the seats listed as filled are about to complete their term. Call the Habitat office at 264-6960 if you’d like to learn about board membership.
Build updates: new homes
In 2014, we completed our 24th new home in Archuleta County. Many of you helped at various times throughout this home build that began in August 2013. Sarah, Doug and kids are now enjoying their first winter in their new home.
We hope to begin building a new home in spring 2015, but that is entirely dependent on funding. In the past, we have occasionally been able to leverage our mortgages through third-party lenders in order to recoup the cost of building a new home.
We have not been able to do that with our four most recently completed new homes, which means our financial reserves have depleted.
Without a new source of funding, we will not be able to build a new home in 2015. However, we are hopeful and examining all options. Your input in this matter is highly valued.
Home repairs
In 2014, we continued to increase our service to the community by completing three major home repairs and six minor home repairs. We also forged a new partnership with PLPOA and its community enhancement program. Thanks to our wonderful home repairs volunteers, many people in our community will have a safer and warmer winter.
In 2015, we expect to continue expanding our home repairs program to serve more people in the community. We currently have four major repairs lined up for the spring/summer and expect to schedule five minor repairs.
In the past, we have relied heavily on our fantastic Care-A-Vanner groups to help during our summer builds. We’re excited to see that continue in 2015 and we’d also like to engage with new local volunteer groups. Spread the word.
