Part 4 of 4-part series about NEFBA’s four pillars. Previous topics were the value of advocacy, networking and education initiatives. The fourth is community service and outreach.
Members of the homebuilding industry are as generous and compassionate as they are hard-working, and that is saying a lot. Because of the nature of the economic cycles that strongly influence the homebuilding industry, we are well aware of the fickle, fragile financial world we live in. Many of our members have climbed the ladder of hard work out of tough financial circumstances, and we know all too well that, but for the grace of God, we, too, could be in a dire situation.
Our desire to lend a helping hand to those in need led to the founding of Builders Care, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable, not-for-profit contracting company. Builders Care was founded in 2001, and it continues to leverage cash donations, donated materials and volunteer workers to make emergency repairs to homes of individuals who cannot afford to pay for the repairs themselves. Justin Brown, the executive director of Builders Care, understands deeply the importance of Builders Care’s mission.
“If you’re living on $800 a month, a $1,500 roof repair is completely out of reach,” Brown said. “That’s where we can step in and make sure their house remains their home.”
Builders Care is not NEFBA’s only community service outreach. Several of our specialty councils offer their own charitable programs. The Clay Builders Council has provided funding for Christmas food baskets in Clay County for 30 years. The Sales & Marketing Council operates SMC Cares, which donates to various charities throughout the year. And, SMC makes a major contribution annually to Daniel Kids to support its mission of “improving the lives of children.”
Builders and associates in the industry are generous, caring people. We work hard every day to help provide housing and comfort. Shelter is a basic necessity of life, and certainly a major factor for basic human dignity. NEFBA is proud to promote the construction of beautiful, new homes and communities. We are equally (if not more) proud to support the repair, restoration or improvements to homes for the safety and comfort of the home’s residents. Thank you to the many members who help us fulfill this critical mission.
Feel free to talk to Justin or to me if you are interested in helping make a difference in your community through Builders Care as a donor or volunteer.
Get involved
Your talent, time and resources are needed to provide safe, accessible and healthy homes for our most vulnerable residents. Contact NEFBA Executive Director Bill Garrison at (904) 725-4355 or, [email protected]. Contact Builders Care Executive Director Justin Brown at (904) 727-3443, [email protected].