LETTER: Habitat for Humanity’s hiatus from Forks a looming shame

I fear its two-year break will lead money intended for it to eventually be spent elsewhere.

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.

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