World of Hope campaign fulfills promises, surpasses goals

In 2009, during the worst of our nation’s troubled times, Twin Cities Habitat took action. A World of Hope: It Starts at Home was launched – and with it, a set of goals put in place to help tangibly build our community back up. As of today, five months earlier than expected, the campaign has exceeded every single one of its goals. These are some of A World of Hope’s amazing achievements:

• 886 homes built, rehabbed or repaired in the Twin Cities
• 6,592 families educated and counseled about homeownership
• 259 homes funded and built in our international partner countries
• $37.6 million raised, $1.6 million past our goal

In a letter thanking the donors, volunteers, individuals and foundations that made all this possible, Mary Lynn and Warren Stately, the campaign’s co-chairs, advise us to not focus on the numbers, but what they represent:

“But look beyond the numbers, at the individual lives touched, and the magnitude of the good we accomplished truly begins to sink in. Fewer children are sleeping in closets. More children are returning to the same school this year. Parents are saving for college and pursuing the training they need for a real career of their own. Families are no longer moving, time after time, from one substandard apartment to another.”

While the campaign’s achievements are truly incredible, A World of Hope: It Starts at Home is by no means over. The work continues:

“You’ve committed your time and your money because you believe safe, decent, affordable housing can change lives and change communities. Please help us spread this message. Tell your family, your friends, and our political leaders that building a world filled with hope requires action by each of us. It starts at home!”

To read the entire letter written by Mary Lynn and Warren Stately, or for more information about A World of Hope: It Starts at Home and how you can contribute, please click here.