This blog printed on 100% recycled electrons.
...and my wife gets airtime!
While some men think it's a compliment that they recommend their wives enter topless oglefests, I prefer to think a higher compliment is to urge people to listen to my wife. And this morning, KJAM joins me in that compliment, as they post the audio of part of Matt Groce's phone interview with her about the upcoming Shelterfest music festival, September 6 here in Madison.
Erin hasn't been blogging much at Prairie Roots lately, largely because she's been investing a lot more time in calling bands, lining up sponsors, and setting up the music festival website. Ah, what a pleasure to be married to a smart, capable woman!
RIP Quincy Jones
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Probably one of the greatest music producers EVER! I have to tell you, I
have been beside myself, I get it, he was old, but everything you listened
to deca...
11 hours ago
I have certain reservations about Habitat for Humanity. The woman who directs the local chapter handed me applications to give to my tenants, which I found represented a lack of understanding. My tenants rent because it's in their best interest to do so and most could afford their own home if they desired. It made me question the solicitation of applicants to sustain what should in its own right be a worthwhile cause, or is it an organization that created a position which must try to justify itself rather than meet a true need? Maybe the community needs a housing study. John Hess
ReplyDeleteJohn, I’ve only been on the Habitat board for a few months, and I haven’t heard our executive director talk specifically about this instance, but I think I can probably speak to what was going on. Each Habitat affiliate has an obligation to do all it can to publicize the availability of homeowner opportunities. That isn’t always an easy task. Obviously, we can’t personally knock on the door of everyone in town who is currently renting to find out if they rent by choice or because they have to, so one of the best things we can do is to make applications available through rental owners. It’s not our only avenue of distributing applications, but it’s a good one.
ReplyDeleteWe are also required to take great care in selecting homeowners, who complete a thorough application process. They have to qualify based on income, but they also have to contribute sweat equity to the home construction and be able to meet monthly mortgage payments.
I wasn’t on the board during the ED hiring process last year, but I have certainly had my eyes opened over these last few months about the magnitude of the work required to maintain a thriving and contributing Habitat chapter. Believe me, the ED position is a vital one! Having an ED enables us to carry out the mission of Habitat much better and more efficiently.
I do appreciate hearing feedback from the community, John. Please feel free to get in touch with me anytime you have other concerns or questions about Habitat. And hey, we are always looking for volunteers! We can always use a fresh new voice on the board or someone to pound nails when we do our next build, so I hope you’ll consider volunteering in some way!
By the way, Habitat for Humanity of South Dakota has provided some great data on the economic impact of Habitat homes in this state.