On July 1, Muskogee Habitat for Humanity started its 20th year as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International. The process of affiliation began in November 1992 at a meeting in the Muskogee Public Library. Individuals who had contributed to HFHI or had expressed interest in starting an affiliate in Muskogee were invited to the meeting through letters, civic groups, churches, and articles in the Phoenix.

During that meeting, the philosophy of HFHI and the methods of operation were discussed. In follow-up meetings, individuals were organized into a steering committee and operating committees, and guidelines were developed for each. As part of the affiliation process, evidence had to be presented that there was a need for a program, the program had interest and support from a broad range of citizens representing multiple religious faiths, social, educational and economic levels.

As the affiliate enters its 20th year, the community needs to be reminded that the needs of the organization today are essentially unchanged from the needs in 1993. MHFH, to meet the needs of the community it was formed to serve, must maintain the same breadth and depth of support that was developed to achieve affiliate status. The affiliate is governed by the board of directors, but the actual operations are conducted through the work of seven operating committees. All members of the board are expected to be active on at least one operating committee, but other volunteers are needed to do the bulk of the work. Potential volunteers are made aware of those areas and are expected to volunteer in their areas of interest and competence. The operating committees are fundraising, public relations, family support, site selection, building, church relations, and volunteer.

In its 20th year, as in its first, Muskogee needs to be reminded hat MHFH needs public participation in all of those areas if it is to continue to grow and make Muskogee a better place for all its citizens. Persons interested in participating in the improvement of our community through MHFH are encouraged to call MHFH at (918) 687-1470.

EDWARD

C. WARREN

Muskogee