Former Lake Chelan Chamber Director, Loni Rahm, Will Serve as Habitat Director
The Board of Directors of Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity announced today the hiring of Loni Rahm as their new Executive Director. This part-time position oversees the organization’s activities including the Re-Store and family home-building process as well as maintaining national affiliate standards, donor and community relations, and administration.
Rahm has more than 25 year’s of tourism and economic development leadership, including serving 7 years as the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Director. She and her husband, Dennis – a long time radio broadcaster, first moved to Chelan in 1993. They have two grown daughters, and three lively young sons.
Board President Hershal Joyner said Chelan Valley Habitat is entering a time of “tremendous activity” and the board felt strongly that Rahm’s experience in non-profit administration, marketing and fiscal management would be a great asset to the organization. This year, Habitat will undertake a significant remodeling project at the Re-Store on Woodin Avenue in order to provide additional year-around covered large item display space and covered donation depository.
Habitat will also be building the first two of eventually eight family homes they are developing on property they own on Wapato Avenue. Joyner said the two families have been selected and the ground is being prepared for construction to begin this summer. As part of their homebuying process, Habit families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity, into the home ownership.
Habitat for Humanity International was formed in 1976 and has grown to encompass affiliates and partners in nearly 1,400 communities across the United States. The organization works in approximately 70 countries world wide, and has helped almost 10 million people achieve strength, stability and independence through safe, decent and affordable homes. Probably Habitat’s most famous ambassador is former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn, who have served as spokepersons, provided hands-on support building homes and elevated awareness of the program.
The Chelan Habitat was chartered as affiliate with Habitat International in 1993. They have since built 17 houses – making it possible for 17 families to afford to purchase a decent and affordable place to live.
For additional information and to learn more about volunteer or donor opportunities, visit the Chelan Valley Habitat website.
