Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Woods.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in St. Charles County and am blessed to be able to work and serve here as well. As a social worker, I am drawn to person to person work that makes a difference in people’s lives….as well as my own.
I started at Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County in 2011 and immediately loved the opportunity to work alongside families that wanted to become homeowners and improve the lives of their children. I have learned so much from the Habitat homeowners and consider it a privilege to walk with them on their journey to homeownership.
In the fall of 2019, I became the Executive Director of Habitat and began a new journey of my own, leading a team and an organization. The teamwork at Habitat has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my role. Seeing people grow, engage, lead while carrying out the Habitat mission and vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live has been rewarding. During my time as Director, we purchased 11 acres of land and started our largest ever development—Haven Pointe. The community will have 46 single family attached homes and a comprehensive Homeowner’s Association. It’s a dream come true to be able to serve so many families in one community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Five months into my tenure as Director, Covid hit and transformed everything that we were doing. Our ReStore and construction site closed briefly and our office staff went home to work. Nothing seemed sure during those times and I’m grateful to the staff and board for their grace as we weathered unchartered waters.
A day in the life of a non-profit brings many challenges. Our faith in God and trust in him brought Habitat through some very tough and uncertain times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. We are a medium sized non-profit 501C-3 that brings people together to build homes, community and hope. We partner with local families to enable them to purchase homes at affordable prices and to be successful homeowners.
We have a dynamic team that fundraises, builds and partners with the community and future homeowners.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the outdoors! Being outside in nature is food for my soul. I’m blessed to be able to spend time outdoors with my husband, 2 sons and good friends. We bike, hike, and camp whenever we get the chance…. even in the winter months.
My proudest outdoor achievement was backpacking at Philmont and climbing a mountain. It was the hardest challenge I have completed and the most rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.habitatstcharles.org
