As I reflect on the past year, I am amazed at the things that together, we've accomplished. Consider some of the highlights of 2008:

• We became an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Prior to January 2008 we were an extension office of Habitat’s Jackson affiliate.

• We participated in the Carter Work Project, blitz building 10 homes in 5 days with more than 300 volunteers, families and friends.

• One month later, we hosted another 7 house blitz build with Willow Creek Church!

• We dedicated our 75th house in August, finishing the year with 93 completed houses.

Now here we are, in the first quarter of 2000, and I am again amazed at the way this ministry has been blessed through the generosity of volunteers, donors, partners and friends.

New Habitat homeowner Rachel Moore and her daughter

• We will soon dedicate our 100th home, providing housing for nearly 275 people in Hancock County.

• We've seen nearly 3,000 volunteers come to help rebuild our community. Many are return volunteers, coming back for their 5th and 6th trips.

• We have begun a new “greening” initiative in 2009, introducing more eco-friendly and energy efficient construction methods and technologies into our houses.

• We’re also hosting a special green building workshop in May entitled, “Greening Affordable Housing.”

• We are set to begin construction on nearly 40 houses in Bay St. Louis. This is our largest development project to date.

Your partnership has made each one of these accomplishments possible. And while our recovery is far from over, I want to take this opportunity to say “thanks” for all you’ve done. Whether you’ve swung a hammer, written a check or made an online donation, your support of this ministry is making a difference in peoples’ lives in our community. Please visit our website to read the stories of some of those whose lives you’ve changed. Again, I want to say “thanks,” and ask for your continued support as we enter into this critical phase of our recovery effort.