I take issue with Habitat for Humanity’s taking a two-year hiatus from work in Forks and selling property it has there [“Habitat For Humanity To Take A Break In Forks,” PDN, Aug. 31].
The Port Angeles Habitat affiliate’s board has decided to sell donated lots in its subdivision for rehabilitating homes in Forks.
If this is truly intended only as a hiatus, why sell the property?
The affiliate claims the money will benefit revitalization projects in Forks, but I fear the money will leave the community and only benefit Port Angeles and Sequim, leaving Forks a remote outpost.
Habitat’s goal is to create affordable housing for families in need.
Forks has such families.
The affiliate seems to have two main concerns: difficulty raising funds and a scarcity of local volunteers.
Fundraising does require hard work and dedication, but that is no reason to give up.
I suspect more consistent presence of Habitat leadership in Forks would be helpful.
As to the volunteer issue, volunteers need not be “local.”
In July 2015, I and my wife were among eight Habitat Care-A-Vanners (who pay their own expenses) who came to Forks to work with Bill Terrill, the Habitat construction leader; Bob Tiemeyer, a local volunteer; the homeowners; and their family.
Three Care-A-Vanner couples came later to close in the house before weather could create a problem.
More Care-A-Vanners came this spring and completed the interior.
Filling the spring/summer with such people could result in a completed home for a needy family.
In my opinion, Forks is in danger of being effectively abandoned by the affiliate, a shame and an injustice.
Jim Colby,
Yuma, Ariz.