Updates & News

Hello Fellows of The Conejo Valley Interfaith Coalition.

Here is the latest information, from program manager Karen Jensen, on our Simi Valley project.  (We're
on our way!):  Grading will start right after the first of the year, and the foundation should be done in time
for an April or May construction start, with completion to follow about 6-9 months later.

So, there we have it, (for now).
But before then we should appoint a Build Team to oversee the project's development and operation.  
These are volunteer positions available to enthusiastic people able and willing to lead others.  They
include:  

Project Leader:
Someone within your organization who will lead the project, chair your steering committee, and serve as
your primary contact with Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County.

Site Supervisor:
The person for this role should have some prior construction experience.  This person will be
overseeing unskilled construction volunteers and should meet with Habitat's Construction Coordinator
throughout the project.

Fund Raising Team:
This group is responsible for seeing that the organization raises the funds required to build the house.  
This group should also oversee the accounting of in-kind donations for the project.

Family Partner:
This person is the primary contact between the family, Habitat and your organization and should attend
the monthly Habitat Family Partner meetings.  The Family Partner is educated by the Team Chair and is
responsible for acting as an advisor to the new homeowner, keeping track of the homeowner's sweat
equity hours and advising the family as they choose specific items for their new home.

Volunteer Coordinator:
One person may be designated as the Volunteer Coordinator, but this is not a one-person effort.  This
person will communicate with Habitat regarding numbers of volunteers that will be at the site each
workday as well as recruiting for volunteers for each day of building.  This person will also communicate
directly with the Construction Supervisor.

Site Host:
This person arrives at the beginning of each construction day and will register and greet construction
volunteers as they arrive, making sure all have properly signed in and completed an Assumption of
Risk, Release from Liability and Agreement form.  This person is also responsible for working with
Habitat in arranging lunch for the volunteers.

Recruits?  Questions?  Corrections?

And please continue to promote our project within your own communities, and remember all funds
raised should be forwarded to Habitat for Humanity of Ventura with the memo line designating it as "for
Interfaith Simi Build".

Let's get together, build a house, and save the world!
God Bless Us Everyone!
-Tim Halligan