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2003 SESSION

039609522
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 487
Offered February 13, 2003
Commending the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, Incorporated.
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Patrons-- Rerras and Norment; Delegate: Bloxom
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WHEREAS, founded in 1988, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry with a mission to provide affordable housing for families in need by building or renovating modest but adequate homes; and

WHEREAS, Rita Garris was chosen to be the owner of the first Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity home, which was dedicated and turned over to the jubilant Garris family on January 26, 1991; and

WHEREAS, a local Eastern Shore fund created from gifts and no-interest loans provides the capital for building homes, and gifts of land and materials help reduce construction costs; and

WHEREAS, construction of each house involves a cooperative effort between volunteers and the recipient family, who contribute 350 or more hours of sweat equity during the building of their home; and

WHEREAS, a family selection committee screens potential homeowners based on need, stability, family size, as well as the ability to repay the no-interest mortgage loan; and

WHEREAS, the annual February Freeze, which features gala festivities and numerous donators who dare to dip into the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay, is an anticipated and exciting fund-raiser; the equally popular annual Garden Tour, which showcases exquisite gardens from Capeville to Parksley of numerous Eastern Shore volunteers, also is a mainstay funding event; and

WHEREAS, grants given by the Norfolk Foundation, the Seraph Foundation, the United Way, and the Habitat Self-help Home Ownership Program are invaluable to the successful efforts of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, as are gifts in kind by altruistic benefactors and donations by countless Eastern Shore citizens; and

WHEREAS, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity relies on the commitment and generosity of volunteers including the regular construction crews, numerous Eastern Shore high school and college students, the church community, and the energetic office staff; and

WHEREAS, the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity increased home projects from the historic one and a half homes completed each year to four homes completed in 2001-2002; and

WHEREAS, Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity is an outstanding nonprofit organization, which has helped numerous Eastern Shore families improve the quality of their lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, Incorporated for its diligent commitment to families in need; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for its generosity and compassion.