Upon opening the mail, Habitat for Humanity of Missoula employees recently received a surprise — a big one.
HFHM was gifted a $100,000 check from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. The donation was unsolicited, given to the organization by someone who wanted to make a difference in addressing Missoula’s affordable housing crisis and believed in Habitat’s mission to create strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
“We are delighted that Habitat placed a stake in the ground with a plan of how to tackle our affordability crisis. They dared to think big, and it takes a leap of faith for the rest of us to follow. Giving them the financial support they need to see their goals materialize is important to us,” the donor said.
The donation was one of the largest individual gifts Habitat has received to date, and will help propel the organization toward its 30 by 30 goal to be building 30 homes a year by 2030. It’s a goal that’s been called ambitious, and it’s been called audacious. It’s something that hasn’t been done before, but it’s achievable, Habitat Executive Director Heather Harp said.
“There’s no trail of breadcrumbs we’re following”, Harp said. “But with the help of many Missoulians, we’re creating a path forward to address affordability.”
When donors give to Habitat, they’re demonstrating confidence in its vision for Missoula. Impact & Engagement Director Abby Lynes said she hopes the anonymous donor’s giving will inspire others, as it will take the time, money, and effort of people and organizations from across the community to get Habitat to its 30 by 30 goal.
“It’s exciting to see our Missoula already stepping up to the plate to build much-needed homes people can afford,” she said. “We are so incredibly grateful for this donation, and we believe it is reflective of the generosity, kindness and ingenuity of members of our community.”