On December 12, the Rotary Club and the Federated Church, both of Martha’s Vineyard, are co-hosting a Celebration of Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard. Their reception will be part of the two day “No Room in the Inn", display of more than 75 creches. These nativity scenes will be exhibited inside the 1828 Meeting House during Christmas in Edgartown. There will also be a Silent Auction featuring a delightful variety of offerings including a two hour Edgartown Harbor sail, lots of island sweets, and special gems from the Habitat basement. The reception will offer an opportunity to meet Greg Orcutt, Habitat’s Director, as well as Church Historian, Elizabeth Villard.
Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard builds houses because they believe that everyone, everywhere should have a healthy, affordable place to call home. It is a partnership, not a giveaway program.
Homeowners must invest hundreds of hours of their own labor in their future homes. Each building is a combination of their efforts, the work of many volunteers and the gifts of those who donate to provide financial support. This mixture has allowed Habitat of MV to complete eighteen affordable homes for low-income families on the island. When a family helps build or improve a place they can call home, they are also building a better community, a better life for themselves.
Habitat of MV is currently beginning the permitting and planning for their nineteenth home which will be built in Oak Bluff. They are also planning with the towns of Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and West Tisbury to develop multiple properties in these areas.
At the same time, they are harvesting building materials, fixtures and/or appliances from at least 2 Island houses a week. These materials are used in Habitat Builds or resold at 30% of their fair market value to fund their work. Smaller items such as lamps, decorative items and art will be offered as part of the silent auction during the “No Room in the Inn” event. These efforts keep materials out of the landfill and help others on Island to build at a lower cost. They do all this with one employee, 11 members of the board of directors and many, many volunteers.
Over seventy creches or Nativity Scenes will be displayed in the Meeting House. They dramatize the tradition that Jesus was born in a stable because “there was no room in the Inn.” They range in style from traditional wood and fabrics to whimsical offering including a Teddy Bear creche. They event helping Habitat makes sure that no child has to be born or live in a stable on the Vineyard.
Contact evillardmv@gmail.com for more information.
