There are approximately 1600 homeless people living in Onslow County. As of August 26, 2008, there are 166 homeless children enrolled in the Onslow County School system (statistics from Onslow County Schools). That number is expected to rise dramatically as more families are evicted from their homes and more providers lose their jobs.

Studies have shown that providing a roof over someone’s head contributes more than just a place to stay. It helps to provide stability, dignity and pride for those families. Health, physical safety, and security improve. Educational and job prospects also tend to increase.

Jacksonville/Onslow Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to help end poverty in Onslow County by providing safe, decent, affordable housing to those in need. Established in 2005 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we have completed one home in Onslow County. Our second home construction began on October 4 at 1622 Hargett St.

We are planning a unique fundraiser, “Windows of Opportunity”, that will help in raising money for home construction. This fundraiser is a silent auction event that will feature the work of local artists in the Onslow County area.

The Habitat for Humanity Restore, a thrift store that operates as a part of our fundraising efforts, recently received a large donation of old, wooden windows. We are asking local artists to take a window and transform it into a work of art, to be auctioned off at the silent auction event. Whether it becomes a painting or piece of a small sculpture, all pieces of family-appropriate work will be accepted and appreciated.

The completed windows will be auctioned off in a silent auction event. All proceeds will benefit Jacksonville/Onslow Habitat for Humanity.

To show our appreciation for anyone willing to donate their services, we welcome business cards, brochures or other promotional material to be displayed along with your submission. Artists are also welcome to attend the silent auction to answer questions and meet and greet attendees. The date, time, and location of the event will be announced at a later date.

We cannot pursue our mission of ending poverty housing in Onslow County without the support of volunteers, donors, and our community.

If you are interested in helping or have questions about the event, please contact Kristy Noble via telephone at 347-9400 or email at onslowhfhexec@yahoo.com

Thank you for your support in providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to those in need.

Kristy Noble
Executive Director
Jacksonville/Onslow Habitat for Humanity
PO Box 242
Jacksonville, NC 28541

This sounds like a great opportunity for emerging artists and it’s a great cause to support. I’m hoping to participate and will post more later.

Added as an Update:

An email from Ms. Noble includes the following information:

• Frames can be picked up from the Habitat for Humanity Restore located at 1909 Lejeune Blvd. The Restore is open on Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm. It’s recommended that you contact Ms. Noble prior to going as they are sometimes unpredictably closed (luncheons, construction supervision, meetings, etc).
• Any medium (photography, painting, sculputing, etc) is acceptable. As long as the finished piece is family-appropriate, it will be accepted.
• The fundraiser is scheduled for April 2009. The pieces will be due in March for cataloging and organizing submissions.