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Home Builders Foundation News

Year-End Fund Drive supports scholarships

By Chuck O’Rourke, 2008 HBF Board President

It’s that time of year again…our annual fund drive!  As yet another year draws to a close, it is timely to reflect on our personal and professional accomplishments and explore what the future might bring. When I think about the big picture and all of the clients who benefit from the Home Builders Foundation’s good work – I’m constantly amazed at people’s willingness to give.

As President of the Foundation, I am happy to report that thanks to our industry efforts, the organization is vibrant, productive and on the move. Our focus remains the same - program areas in education and building shelter for those less fortunate.

As an industry, we have the unique opportunity and resources to do what we do best – build shelter.Through HomeAid Portland, the Foundation’s shelter-building arm, we provide more bedspace, enhance livability and repair shelters running on shoestring budgets.Simply put, we are the bridge between home builders and homeless care providers.

In mid-October, HomeAid began renovation of the 5,000 square foot unfinished attic space at Raphael House of Portland  to establish a Comprehensive Advocacy Center, which will provide a full-range of essential services for victims of domestic violence.

In early September, we completed our third annual volunteer blitz event, Painting a Better Tomorrow. This one day event brought together 250 volunteers from 50+ companies to work on 15 local homeless shelters. As a complement to HomeAid, PBT assists with minor “fix-its” at local nonprofits serving the temporarily homeless.

We also support workforce development through scholarships. We “build bridges” for students to meet and shadow industry professionals through a collaborative mentoring approach. We also offer recipients a free student membership and allow them to attend HBA council meetings and functions. 

We believe in partnerships. With support from the Jim Irvine Statewide Fund, NE OR Fund, Milgard Endowment, Remodelers Council, Mascord Award, and our very own HBF Scholarship Fund, we have awarded $25,500 in scholarships in 2008. Since 1997, when our foundation was founded, we’ve awarded over $102,000 in scholarships.

Will you be a year-end contributor in 2009? Our annual fund drive is an important source of revenue for our shelter work and scholarships. We’re counting on your support to continue growing and serving our community. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. The Foundation is building hope and homes…rebuilding lives.