From Kelle Shultz, President/CEO
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
April 8, 2020
You may be wondering what Knoxville Habitat is doing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a quick update on our operations, as of today. But, like everyone else, our situation can change anytime. Our office and ReStore locations are currently closed, and everyone who is able is working remotely.
We are reaching out to all partner families.
We are checking on them and alerting those who have been laid off of the resources available to help protect their family. As our Family Services Coordinator has said: COVID-19 is a shared experience that none of us have seen before. We are determined to be on the right side when we come out of this crisis. We want homeowners to say that we offered them the best information and helped them continue as successful homeowners.
Our Construction team (a team of four) have been working on homes already under construction.
They are safely working alone, without volunteers. This keeps progress moving somewhat and helps maintain the security of the job sites. Otherwise, the 15 builds scheduled between now and the end of the year will likely be delayed until we raise more money. This saddens us beyond measure, but we remain hopeful.
Our ReStore is closed but hopes to accept donations again soon.
We can’t wait to see the great donations from all of the spring cleaning that has been taking place since our community has been staying at home. You can stay updated by following the store on Facebook and Instagram.
We are continually reaching out to supporters.
We are calling as many of our donors as we can to check on their well-being and offering to help with essential errand (grocery, pharmacy, etc.). Be assured that we are continually watching the official updates. We are adjusting our plans to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our staff, families and supporters safe. If you need help, please contact Angie Hatcher Sledge at asledge@khfh.com or 865-388-6848.
Because of you and other supporters like you, more than 700 Knoxville area families are weathering this pandemic from the safety and security of their own affordable Habitat home.
When all of this is over, your support and volunteerism will be needed more than ever, and we eagerly look forward to working with you again.
Until then, we pray good health for you and all your loved ones, and we wish you a very blessed Easter holiday.
Always grateful,
Kelle Shultz
Knoxville Habitat, President/CEO