Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity provides an excellent example of how a nonprofit organization can do more with less.
They are an affiliate of Florida Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity International.
There are 48 affiliates in Florida and they are in the bottom quartile in size. However, with their approach to achieving the Habitat mission, they are in the top quartile in production of new homes and critical home repairs.
They unquestionably meet the definition of “Small but Mighty” and they have ambitious goals for doing even more!
How do they do it?
When asked what did he attribute the organization’s success to, Executive Director, Mark Billings replied, “The key driver to our success is our culture. We enjoy a widespread believe in servant leadership. This is demonstrated with over 85% of our workforce being volunteer labor.
We are fortunate to have so many compassionate and altruistic members in our community that not only believe in our mission of affordable housing but demonstrate their support with thousands of volunteer hours each year.”
The culture is being supported by a board that has become a difference maker. It supports investment for staff development and embraces growth opportunities for board members themselves.
Staff leadership is being challenged to address obstacles by both individually and collaboratively working together to find solutions that allow Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity to get more done with less.
They are being encouraged to be critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, so
with a mindset of positivity, they can visualize what yes looks like when faced with an obstacle that is blocking mission success.
Experiential learning activities are provided so how-to techniques and skills necessary for executing this approach are developed. Staff leadership is then charged with cascading what they’re learning to others in the organization.
This all results in a leveraging of assets, resources, and relationships throughout the entire organization.
With this mission focused synergy, the number of individuals who benefit from this Habitat affiliate’s much needed work, is greatly expanded far beyond what would otherwise be reasonably expected.
Congratulations on the impact you are having Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity. Thank you for providing this excellent example for the rest of us to aspire to.
As a nonprofit, association, or chamber of commerce leader, what would the benefit be if you found ways to work beyond the limitations you face?
Are you investing in staff and board development so benefiting from the power of possibility is a reality?
Is yours a get-more-done-with-less organization?