Each speaker brought words of encouragement and challenge to the Board with regard to fulfilling our mission in Bridgeport. Persons caught in the clutches of poverty are stripped of their dignity and hope. Just one simple walk through the neighborhoods where Habitat is working will tell you that poverty is present in the East Side of Bridgeport. Habitat has had a very positive effect in the neighborhood, or as Msgr. Besides the new and refurbished homes that are rising on the East Side of Bridgeport Habitat provides an opportunity for interaction between people.
Neighbors see educated people coming to the East side, without fear, and working in the community.
Likewise, the residents of the community can welcome strangers without fear. Where Habitat is present, according to Msgr. Potter and Mr. Batalla, there is an infusion of hope, which is the first step toward defeating the evil of poverty. In a final word to the Board, both Potter and Batalla, encouraged us to continue what we are doing. We have been challenged to educate the community on our mission and offer the opportunity of home ownership to as many people as possible.