While business is far from usual amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Habitat for Humanity Sunshine Coast remains hard at work placing families in affordable, secure housing.
In December 2019, a new family moved into one of the homes at The Village at Wilson Creek. There are two other homes ready for occupancy now in The Village and Habitat’s family selection committee is reviewing applications with plans to fill them soon. One of these homes became available when two separate Habitat families recently united through marriage and moved in together; such a happy outcome is wonderful to see and welcome news for the organization.
In other news, the board of directors recently addressed a change in management by finding a new executive to lead the organization. “Following a thorough search in late 2019 and with several great candidates from which to choose, Mark Powell was appointed as CEO in February 2020,” said acting chair Dave Taylor. “We are very fortunate indeed to have someone of Mark’s calibre join us at Habitat.”
Powell joins Habitat with an extensive senior background in real estate development and hospitality. Prior not-for-profit work experience includes family-focused organizations in Canada and South America. He is a CPA and acquired his experience in both public and private sectors throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
“I am excited about joining Habitat and, despite the current COVID-19 crisis, there are many great opportunities ahead for the enterprise,” Powell said.
During the current crisis, Habitat is focusing on streamlining its operations while ensuring that its families are supported. The organization will also be serving the community through the ReStore to the greatest extent possible given the current conditions. To that end, the ReStore is now open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. See www.habitatsc.ca for additional details.
The Habitat Recycling Centre located at Salish Soils remains closed. Everyone is asked to please continue to save your recyclables as Habitat looks forward to resuming its collections operation as soon as possible. Refer to the website for updates on recycling as well.
Habitat is looking to the future where it has the opportunity to build the seventh and final duplex at The Village at Wilson Creek plus secure other building sites with donated land. Habitat is keen to engage with the community and the many organizations that are supportive of Habitat’s work to provide affordable homes for deserving families in our community. Stay tuned.
– Submitted
