LATEST NEWS

BETTER HOUSING FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY TEAMS WITH TC HABITAT TO MAKE PROPERTY PURCHASE HAPPEN

In a groundbreaking partnership, Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc. provided part of the funding to make possible the purchase at auction of TC HFH's property at 96 Breed Road in the Town of Lansing. Combined with the recent funding received from Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund Inc., TC HFH was able to buy this lot and be in a position to build in Tompkins County for the first time in about ten years.

Better Housing for Tompkins County is a community based not-for-profit organization that has a mission very similar to ours, namely “…to improve the housing of low and moderate income residents in Tompkins County.” Their vision, like ours, is to “…strive to ensure that no person in Tompkins County is without a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to call home.” The synergism of the two organizations working together makes it obvious why we should be partnering with them. Because Habitat builds with volunteer labor and finances with no-interest mortgages, the partnership can effectively serve a broader reach of income levels than can either of the agencies on their own. We hope this is the start of many future joint ventures. For more information about our two organizations, go to www.betterhousingtc.org and www.tchabitat.com.

The Breed Road property is eight plus acres with over six acres of forever-wild wetlands at the back and almost two acres of well situated high ground in the front by the road. Thanks to Cargill De-Icing Technology’s support, we will be able to begin site planning this summer. Our hope is to start developing the site (it needs a septic system and a well) and call for volunteers to begin construction as soon as possible after all the preliminaries are taken care of. At the same time we will be seeking a Habitat qualified family.

Many thanks to Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc., Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund Inc., and Cargill De-Icing Technology for getting us back to building in Tompkins County. :

TC HFH SUPPORTS HABITAT ARGENTINA THROUGH BOYNTON MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT

TC HFH is happy to help students at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca who are raising funds to rehab a house in Argentina. Read the letter written by Ana Dougherty, one of the organizers of this project

“I am an 8th grader at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca and I am launching the second "Lucky and Giving Campaign". Initially begun by my two siblings, Trevor and Cristina, and me, this campaign is aimed at encouraging other young people in Ithaca to recognize their tremendous privileges, and encourage them to be giving to others. This year, the campaign will benefit Habitat For Humanity Argentina, and, in particular, it aims to raise $1,500 for major house repairs for an impoverished family living in deplorable conditions. If you would like to join the Boynton students in supporting this project, send tax-deductible checks to TC Habitat, P.O. Box 4683, Ithaca, NY 14852. Include "Boynton Argentina Project" on the memo line. THANK YOU SO MUCH!”

TC HFH RECEIVES A GRANT FROM TOMPKINS CHARITABLE GIFT FUND INC.

In support of TC HFH’s goal of building in Tompkins County, TCGF awarded a $5000. grant towards the acquisition of a lot. We have been searching for a vacant lot or house in need of rehabilitation and hope to find an appropriate site for our next build in Tompkins County within the year.

A SHED FOR OUR ‘GREEN’ HOUSE IN CORTLAND, THANKS TO A DONATION FROM ITHACA COLLEGE

The Ithaca College HFH chapter provided the materials and much of the labor to build a tool shed on campus in mid-April. Mark Pierce, Ed Siemuns and Ben Boynton provided the plans and supervision for the build. The shed is now set up at 165 Tompkins Street in Cortland being completed by Peter Jeffers so that we can start using it. Many thanks to IC and all those involved.

SOCIAL SERVICE LEAGUE OF ITHACA GRANT FOR A COMPUTER SERVER

TC HFH received a grant to purchase a computer server which would allow us to consolidate all of our data, presently on many volunteers’ personal computers, onto one central server. This would help us gain access to the data we need when we need it. As we grow our organization, capturing and using our organizational information effectively becomes more and more important to our success.

GROUND BREAKING AT 165 TOMPKINS ST. IN CORTLAND April 5, 2008

With shovels in hand, a group of 30 people showed up for the ground breaking! Students from Ithaca College, Cornell University and Ithaca High School; NYS Senator Seward's representative Luann King; 3 aldermen, 5 members of the BOCES Adult Construction Class. Victor Siegle, from the Siegle Foundation were among those present to kick off TC HFH’s first environmentally “green” house building.

Chuck Brodhead, our master of ceremonies, thanked Cortland Mayor, Tom Gallagher and the city for donating this lot; Susan Feiszli, architectural designer who worked to make this house green; Tom Michales, who consistently helps us as HFH electrician and supervisor; Tom Niederhofer, builder of Forest Homes; Cargill De-Icing Technology; Cortland High School Zonta, Siegle Foundation, Murdock Excavators; ValuHome Store for its annual TC HFH in-store fund raiser; Lorraine Maxwell’s Cornell Human Ecology class and the BOCES class.

Those present made a dent in the ground, soon to be enlarged by Tim Murdock and his backhoe. Check the photos on progress on the Projects Page or, better yet, swing by Cortland to see the progress. Volunteer your time to build by contacting our volunteer coordinator, Beth at tompkinscortlandhabitat@gmail.com.

CORNELL FAMILY HOUSE DEDICATION MARCH 8, 2008

On a damp, rainy March day, a group of 30+ volunteers and friends gathered together to dedicate the rehabbed house at 35 Fox Hollow Road in Cortland and wish the Cornell extended family the very best. Cortland Mayor, Tom Gallagher who has been a staunch supporter of TC HFH, welcomed us all. Minister Marie Agen of the SUNY Cortland Campus Catholic Ministry, blessed the house.

Many acknowledgements were made to recognize all the volunteers and organizations who have contributed to the success of this project including Jude Niederhofer who spent many hours working at this house; many many other construction volunteers and supervisors including the Construction Committee, Andrea Rankin and Jan Stratton; the Family Selection Committee who spent much time and effort choosing the Cornell’s; Craig Smith for supporting the volunteer coordination lead by Jan Stratton; the campus chapters of SUNY Cortland, Cornell University and Ithaca College who provided many volunteers on work days; Whirlpool Corporation for the refrigerator; Yale Residential Security Products for the new locks; Hunter Douglas for the new blinds and the Covilles as good neighbors.

We wrapped up the ceremony with our attempted rendition of “If I Had a Hammer.” We all had fun but I think some of us (me included) may be better equipped to wield a hammer. Check the photos under the Projects Page for a visual history.

TC HFH RECEIVES A TWO-YEAR GRANT FROM THE SIEGLE FOUNDATION, INC.

The Victor and Anne Siegle Foundation of Homer N.Y. generously donated $5,000., distributed over 2007 and 2008 to support the building of our first environmentally “green” Habitat house at the corner of Tompkins and Delaware Streets in Cortland. We are scheduled to break ground early spring. We are setting the date of our ground blessing, which will be placed on our Events Calendar. Plan to join us for the launch of this affiliate into the age of “green” building.

TC HFH COMPLETING A REHAB FOR NEW FAMILY

With the help of our volunteers and our new partner family, the Cornell’s, TC HFH is rapidly finishing its rehab of a Habitat home at 35 Fox Hollow Road in Cortland. We will welcome our new extended family of five with a house warming celebration. Check the Events Calendar for the date and come meet the Cornell’s and see what our volunteers and partner family have done.

CARGILL HELPS BUILD COMMUNITY WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

LANSING, NY — Cargill Deicing Technology (CDT) donated $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties, Inc. (TCHFH) to support the building of the next Habitat home in their area. CDT will also support specific “construction days” when it will encourage its employees to put their enthusiasm and energy to work on the building itself, once construction starts.

“We really appreciate the Cargill team’s volunteer spirit and the funds to help make this build possible,” said Chuck Brodhead, president of the Habitat affiliate. “Together we can help build a better community for everyone.”

TCHFH plans to start a house in Tompkins County this year and another in Cortland next year. Currently, TCHFH is looking for an appropriate lot in Ithaca and is considering the alternative of building in Trumansburg on a parcel it already owns. Moving forward, TCHFH is committed to building energy efficient, affordable homes and is collaborating with area experts on building a LEED-certified “green” home in Cortland.

“We are pleased to encourage and support our employees as they enhance the communities within which we live and work,” said Steve Horne, Lansing Mine Manager at Cargill Deicing Technology. “Our team-building project with Habitat is a part of Cargill’s effort in nourishing ideas and nourishing people.” Cargill is a corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity International.

NEW WINDOWS FOR SALE

The GlassSmith of Cortland has made a very generous donation of new windows. We wish to use some in our new build in Cortland in the spring of 2008 but have approximately $16,000 worth to sell at half price. All sizes double hung, Pella sliders, some low-e, storms, casements, awnings, and more. Contact Ben at redbarn@clarityconnect.com.

Current Newsletter

June, 2008

Past Newsletters

March, 2008
December, 2007
September, 2007
May, 2007
June, 2005
March, 2005
November, 2004











	LATEST NEWS BETTER HOUSING FOR TOMPKINS COUNTY TEAMS WITH TC HABITAT TO MAKE PROPERTY PURCHASE HAPPEN In a groundbreaking partnership, Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc. provided part of the funding to make possible the purchase at auction of TC HFH's property at 96 Breed Road in the Town of Lansing. Combined with the recent funding received from Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund Inc., TC HFH was able to buy this lot and be in a position to build in Tompkins County for the first time in about ten years. Better Housing for Tompkins County is a community based not-for-profit organization that has a mission very similar to ours, namely “…to improve the housing of low and moderate income residents in Tompkins County.” Their vision, like ours, is to “…strive to ensure that no person in Tompkins County is without a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to call home.” The synergism of the two organizations working together makes it obvious why we should be partnering with them. Because Habitat builds with volunteer labor and finances with no-interest mortgages, the partnership can effectively serve a broader reach of income levels than can either of the agencies on their own. We hope this is the start of many future joint ventures. For more information about our two organizations, go to www.betterhousingtc.org and www.tchabitat.com. The Breed Road property is eight plus acres with over six acres of forever-wild wetlands at the back and almost two acres of well situated high ground in the front by the road. Thanks to Cargill De-Icing Technology’s support, we will be able to begin site planning this summer. Our hope is to start developing the site (it needs a septic system and a well) and call for volunteers to begin construction as soon as possible after all the preliminaries are taken care of. At the same time we will be seeking a Habitat qualified family. Many thanks to Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc., Tompkins Charitable Gift Fund Inc., and Cargill De-Icing Technology for getting us back to building in Tompkins County. : TC HFH SUPPORTS HABITAT ARGENTINA THROUGH BOYNTON MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT TC HFH is happy to help students at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca who are raising funds to rehab a house in Argentina. Read the letter written by Ana Dougherty, one of the organizers of this project “I am an 8th grader at Boynton Middle School in Ithaca and I am launching the second "Lucky and Giving Campaign". Initially begun by my two siblings, Trevor and Cristina, and me, this campaign is aimed at encouraging other young people in Ithaca to recognize their tremendous privileges, and encourage them to be giving to others. This year, the campaign will benefit Habitat For Humanity Argentina, and, in particular, it aims to raise $1,500 for major house repairs for an impoverished family living in deplorable conditions. If you would like to join the Boynton students in supporting this project, send tax-deductible checks to TC Habitat, P.O. Box 4683, Ithaca, NY 14852. Include "Boynton Argentina Project" on the memo line. THANK YOU SO MUCH!” TC HFH RECEIVES A GRANT FROM TOMPKINS CHARITABLE GIFT FUND INC. In support of TC HFH’s goal of building in Tompkins County, TCGF awarded a $5000. grant towards the acquisition of a lot. We have been searching for a vacant lot or house in need of rehabilitation and hope to find an appropriate site for our next build in Tompkins County within the year. A SHED FOR OUR ‘GREEN’ HOUSE IN CORTLAND, THANKS TO A DONATION FROM ITHACA COLLEGE The Ithaca College HFH chapter provided the materials and much of the labor to build a tool shed on campus in mid-April. Mark Pierce, Ed Siemuns and Ben Boynton provided the plans and supervision for the build. The shed is now set up at 165 Tompkins Street in Cortland being completed by Peter Jeffers so that we can start using it. Many thanks to IC and all those involved. SOCIAL SERVICE LEAGUE OF ITHACA GRANT FOR A COMPUTER SERVER TC HFH received a grant to purchase a computer server which would allow us to consolidate all of our data, presently on many volunteers’ personal computers, onto one central server. This would help us gain access to the data we need when we need it. As we grow our organization, capturing and using our organizational information effectively becomes more and more important to our success. GROUND BREAKING AT 165 TOMPKINS ST. IN CORTLAND April 5, 2008 With shovels in hand, a group of 30 people showed up for the ground breaking! Students from Ithaca College, Cornell University and Ithaca High School; NYS Senator Seward's representative Luann King; 3 aldermen, 5 members of the BOCES Adult Construction Class. Victor Siegle, from the Siegle Foundation were among those present to kick off TC HFH’s first environmentally “green” house building. Chuck Brodhead, our master of ceremonies, thanked Cortland Mayor, Tom Gallagher and the city for donating this lot; Susan Feiszli, architectural designer who worked to make this house green; Tom Michales, who consistently helps us as HFH electrician and supervisor; Tom Niederhofer, builder of Forest Homes; Cargill De-Icing Technology; Cortland High School Zonta, Siegle Foundation, Murdock Excavators; ValuHome Store for its annual TC HFH in-store fund raiser; Lorraine Maxwell’s Cornell Human Ecology class and the BOCES class. Those present made a dent in the ground, soon to be enlarged by Tim Murdock and his backhoe. Check the photos on progress on the Projects Page or, better yet, swing by Cortland to see the progress. Volunteer your time to build by contacting our volunteer coordinator, Beth at tompkinscortlandhabitat@gmail.com. CORNELL FAMILY HOUSE DEDICATION MARCH 8, 2008 On a damp, rainy March day, a group of 30+ volunteers and friends gathered together to dedicate the rehabbed house at 35 Fox Hollow Road in Cortland and wish the Cornell extended family the very best. Cortland Mayor, Tom Gallagher who has been a staunch supporter of TC HFH, welcomed us all. Minister Marie Agen of the SUNY Cortland Campus Catholic Ministry, blessed the house. Many acknowledgements were made to recognize all the volunteers and organizations who have contributed to the success of this project including Jude Niederhofer who spent many hours working at this house; many many other construction volunteers and supervisors including the Construction Committee, Andrea Rankin and Jan Stratton; the Family Selection Committee who spent much time and effort choosing the Cornell’s; Craig Smith for supporting the volunteer coordination lead by Jan Stratton; the campus chapters of SUNY Cortland, Cornell University and Ithaca College who provided many volunteers on work days; Whirlpool Corporation for the refrigerator; Yale Residential Security Products for the new locks; Hunter Douglas for the new blinds and the Covilles as good neighbors. We wrapped up the ceremony with our attempted rendition of “If I Had a Hammer.” We all had fun but I think some of us (me included) may be better equipped to wield a hammer. Check the photos under the Projects Page for a visual history. TC HFH RECEIVES A TWO-YEAR GRANT FROM THE SIEGLE FOUNDATION, INC. The Victor and Anne Siegle Foundation of Homer N.Y. generously donated $5,000., distributed over 2007 and 2008 to support the building of our first environmentally “green” Habitat house at the corner of Tompkins and Delaware Streets in Cortland. We are scheduled to break ground early spring. We are setting the date of our ground blessing, which will be placed on our Events Calendar. Plan to join us for the launch of this affiliate into the age of “green” building. TC HFH COMPLETING A REHAB FOR NEW FAMILY With the help of our volunteers and our new partner family, the Cornell’s, TC HFH is rapidly finishing its rehab of a Habitat home at 35 Fox Hollow Road in Cortland. We will welcome our new extended family of five with a house warming celebration. Check the Events Calendar for the date and come meet the Cornell’s and see what our volunteers and partner family have done. CARGILL HELPS BUILD COMMUNITY WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LANSING, NY — Cargill Deicing Technology (CDT) donated $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties, Inc. (TCHFH) to support the building of the next Habitat home in their area. CDT will also support specific “construction days” when it will encourage its employees to put their enthusiasm and energy to work on the building itself, once construction starts. “We really appreciate the Cargill team’s volunteer spirit and the funds to help make this build possible,” said Chuck Brodhead, president of the Habitat affiliate. “Together we can help build a better community for everyone.” TCHFH plans to start a house in Tompkins County this year and another in Cortland next year. Currently, TCHFH is looking for an appropriate lot in Ithaca and is considering the alternative of building in Trumansburg on a parcel it already owns. Moving forward, TCHFH is committed to building energy efficient, affordable homes and is collaborating with area experts on building a LEED-certified “green” home in Cortland. “We are pleased to encourage and support our employees as they enhance the communities within which we live and work,” said Steve Horne, Lansing Mine Manager at Cargill Deicing Technology. “Our team-building project with Habitat is a part of Cargill’s effort in nourishing ideas and nourishing people.” Cargill is a corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity International. NEW WINDOWS FOR SALE The GlassSmith of Cortland has made a very generous donation of new windows. We wish to use some in our new build in Cortland in the spring of 2008 but have approximately $16,000 worth to sell at half price. All sizes double hung, Pella sliders, some low-e, storms, casements, awnings, and more. Contact Ben at redbarn@clarityconnect.com. Current Newsletter June, 2008 Past Newsletters March, 2008 December, 2007 September, 2007 May, 2007 June, 2005 March, 2005 November, 2004