April 21, 2020
A lot has happened over the last few weeks since we provided our last Habitat update. A “home or work” order was enacted April 7th and modified just yesterday. Devastating tornadoes struck throughout the South on Easter weekend, including Seneca and Oconee County. In the wake of these events, the Oconee County Habitat Board has been busy trying to meet the needs of our community. One of those needs is to continue to communicate with our many volunteers and supporters and let you know that while we remain apart, you’re on our minds and in our prayers.
Tornado Disaster Relief
In response to the tornado disaster, many of our Habitat volunteers have reported that they are working hard to provide disaster relief via tree removal and feeding disaster victims. Habitat has been coordinating with Seneca’s Emergency Management Center and has offered store items to those in need. Additionally, we have purchased some of the most needed items and delivered them to the Shaver Complex, which is the designated relief center. Yesterday, the Habitat Board approved a donation of $5,000 for the disaster relief fund and food for disaster victims. Our construction team has registered with the EMC and is standing by awaiting our assignments to assist in emergency board-ups or repair work. We will continue our prayers and volunteer efforts over the coming weeks as our friends and neighbors work to recover from this devastating event.
Store Reopening
Despite Governor McMaster’s announcement to re-open many retail operations, the Habitat Board has determined that the store will remained closed for the immediate time being as so many of our volunteers are among the more vulnerable age group. While no specific time frame has been established, the consensus is that it will likely be another month or possibly beyond before we reopen. When we do reopen, we will have a number of safeguards in place for sanitizing, personal protection, and social distancing. We will be sending out a survey to our volunteers in the coming weeks to get input on what safeguards our volunteers would like to see initiated prior to opening. Rest assured that you will all have a voice in this decision.
Construction
While our construction activities remain officially closed at this time, some work is being carried out in a manner consistent with government distancing guidelines. In the coming weeks, as we begin to expand construction operations, we will expand our program beyond three mornings per week. This will provide an opportunity to invite more volunteers back while still maintaining distancing practices.
Thom McCluskey
President, Oconee County Habitat for Humanity