Habitat for Humanity affiliates explore ways to collaborate

I was warned.

Warned that there wasn’t any reason to reach out.

Warned that past relationships had been strained.

Warned to not get my hopes up.

That’s the advice I got when I was probing about the prospect of inviting the five local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to learn about the work by La Piana Consulting with eight Habitat affiliates in the Charlotte, NC region.  The North Carolina affiliates found common ground for efficiencies and effectiveness leading to mission impact:  build more homes.

Fortunately, the warnings didn’t materialize. Yes, there had been some issues, but they seemed to be in the past.

When all five graciously accepted the invitation, they brought their high level board members (Chair, Chair Elect and/or Treasurer). At the end of the presentation, a spirited conversation erupted, signaling the end of the existing silos that had separated them.

The five are:

Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota

Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity

Arcadia-Desoto County Habitat for Humanity

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity

Does this mean that the five moved from initial meeting to commitment? No. They agreed to explore collaboration and that’s what they are doing. Watch their journey unfold in my next blog!

In the meantime, if you are local and see anyone from one of these affiliates, congratulate them for being willing to explore and ask about what they have accomplished!

What areas of collaboration do you think can be explored by affiliates?