Two Favorites Come Together for a Cause

If you are one of my friends who liked My Facebook Page, then you may have seen my Facebook post about this already:

Warner Bros. announced the other day an exciting new partnership with Habitat for Humanity, with whom they will launch the "There's No Place Like Home" Campaign.  This important initiative celebrates the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, while also giving real-life meaning to the most iconic phrase from the film through fundraising efforts to build homes in partnership with low-income families.

Everyone who donates to the campaign will receive a free gift, courtesy of Warner Bros.' licensees and partners involved with the 75th anniversary celebration...

- via The Wizard of Oz Blog, "There is Really No Place Like Home"

Can you imagine our excitement?

When we found out that our (Ma's and mine) favorite movie joined up with one of our favorite organizations, we did zoomies...and we couldn't wait to share it with everybody!  I'm not named the great and powerful Oz the Terrier for no reason, pals!

Our Connection to Habitat for Humanity

Without Habitat for Humanity, I most likely would not have my family. 

Daddy-dog volunteering here in FL

From 2001-2006, Ma worked at our local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity as a Project Manager writing grant proposals and managing special events.  In 2003, she met Daddy-dog, who had been volunteering (since 2002) every Saturday in construction at our local affiliate.  Needless to say, they dated, got me and then got married.

When Ma left in 2006, Daddy-dog bought her a tool belt and a hammer and took her out to volunteer on Saturdays, which they continue to do today.  They are both considered Construction Leaders here at our local affiliate, helping to teach other volunteers the different tasks of building a house.

Once a year, they also volunteer with Habitat for Humanity International during the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project - a week long blitz build where everyone has to build a house (or sometimes two) in five days.  Ma and Daddy-dog are considered Construction Leaders with Habitat for Humanity International, having led teams in Louisiana (after Hurricane Katrina), Greater Los Angeles, Chang Mai, Thailand (after the tsunami) and in Haiti (as earthquake recovery)...to name a few.  

Ma and Daddy-dog in Haiti (2011)

Why we love Habitat for Humanity

So many people think that Habitat for Humanity gives away homes...but they do NOT.  Each family must qualify to be in the program based on:

• NEED - they are living in substandard housing (and that's a bit different everywhere you go)
• ABILITY - to repay the mortgage;  yep, families buy the house from Habitat and Habitat offers them a no-interest loan (thanks to the many sponsors who donate the funds to build the house, and the volunteers who help build them, Habitat can be the mortgage holder)
• WILLINGNESS - to partner with Habitat to invest hundreds of hours of their own time into building homes; their "sweat equity".

For all the families accepted, their Habitat home is the first home they have ever owned.  It is also the first place they have lived where the children have their own bedroom and have their own (safe) yard to play in. 

And...a lot of times, it is the first place they have lived where they can have a family pet!  Because their monthly Habitat mortgage is based on their income, it allows families to live more comfortably, to buy the necessities (and sometimes something special), and to save money all at the same time. 

Ma and Daddy-dog have met several new family pets that were adopted from the local shelter, rescue or humane society after families moved in to their new homes.  To me, that is just terrierific!

"There's No Place Like Home"

"Ain't it the truth, folks?"  All of us with a safe, decent place to live know that iconic phrase is true.  I wouldn't trade my home...or my Ma or daddy-dog...for anything...not even a year's supply of treats!  If you feel the same way, you can be a part of the Campaign by visiting the website Warner Bros. created by clicking HERE.

Did you know?  Habitat for Humanity, with affiliates in over 90 countries worldwide, serves a family in need of safe, decent  and affordable housing every 5 ½ minutes.  With just a $5 donation to the "There's No Place Like Home" Campaign, you get this pawesome badge (you know I just had to have it!).

More information about the Warner Bros. partnership (click HERE)

More information about Habitat for Humanity International (click HERE)

Volunteer for your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate (click HERE)

The great and powerful Oz the Terrier has spoken....