We’ve all been looking for some light of hope during this storm. With the promise of aggressive relief packages on the horizon, locally and on a federal level, I think we found some. But first, let me give you an update on our current operations.
Right now, our Habitat team has prioritized care of our homeowners, homebuyers, and our own resources. Thus far, we have two homeowner households and one homebuyer household that are now out of work due to the economic disruptions from the pandemic. We believe that there are more, but will not know the complete picture for another week and anticipate that it will be ever changing. We are able to provide temporary relief from their payments, and we are preparing to advance their taxes and insurance to ensure that they can stay in their home… though this will come at a cost to our organization at a difficult time.
All nonprofits, particularly those providing basic needs–shelter, nutrition and healthcare, and clothing–to low-income families are delivering their services under considerable financial strain. Fortunately, there are community-wide efforts underway to raise funds for these essential programs, as well as for the sustainability of the organizations that provide them. Habitat for Humanity, for one, will have a bigger role to play after the storm passes and we adapt to the new environment.
Looking at the federal level, I am pleased that Congress passed and the President enacted the CARES Act, which offers financial relief to individuals and small businesses to keep them afloat. In addition to offering funds in the form of loans and grants, it also incentivizes charitable giving. Effective immediately, taxpayers who do not itemize deductions may take an above-the-line deduction of up to $300 for charitable donations made during 2020 to any 501(c)(3) organization, like Habitat. For taxpayers who itemize, the 60 percent cap on contributions compared to their adjusted gross income has been raised and is now as high as it can go at 100 percent.
We know that remaining at home can be tough to do, especially for Habitat volunteers who love “to do.” Home projects, large and small, can be satisfying and empowering, what we need more of right now. To that end, we’re rolling out ideas to keep you busy at home. In today’s LNP Home & Garden section, you can find a spring “to do” list, suggested by our director of construction, John Neumann. Next week, we roll out a 5-part series on home organization with guidance from MoreSPACE on our ReStore Facebook page and our website.
Thank you for your gifts and prayers over the last week. They have been a cup of hot soup to Board members and staff wearing our proverbial heavy weather gear. We’ve seen a glimmer of the daylight at the end of this storm… and it’s you!
Stay safe and be well,
Andrew Szalay
Executive Director
Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity