• built a unique construction team capable of planning and implementing rehabilitation construction spread widely over many projects. We weave volunteers and donated materials and services into a delivery system that leverages the funds further than ever thought possible. This is where Builders Care is unique from all other charitable housing organizations. Rather than being an organization unto ourselves, we are a small portion of the larger building industry. We harness and focus the charitable efforts of the many individuals and organizations into one meaningful effort. Our experience shows there is a pent up need to help others, and Builders Care has simply provided a meaningful, highly organized venue in which to participate. The SHIP funding we receive through the Jacksonville Housing Commission has served to prime the pump for us to leverage and pump out projects.

• built a network of friends and supporters, both inside and outside NEFBA, that provide funding, volunteers, media support, and most of all love and compassion for those we serve. As it should be, love and compassion is the grease that makes our wheels turn. We are often asked how we field thousands of volunteers, but getting people involved has been relatively simple. There are a lot of good individuals looking for something substantial to contribute with their lives. We simply connect the people in need of help to people with a need to help others. This is done largely through our third Saturday of the month volunteer workdays. Often, something else happens on workday, though. Volunteers become aware of the plight of someone less fortunate and respond with love and basic essentials such as food, clothing, and household items as well. Every holiday season numerous individuals and corporations provide necessities of life by adopting close to 100 "Grandmas".

• built a customer intake system that will insure that those with the greatest need get served quickly. It is imperative to the success of Builders Care that we continue to serve those who cannot help themselves. To keep the volunteers interested and the discounted services from the construction industry coming, the mission must be compelling. The Local Housing Assistance Plan allows extreme cases to be moved to the top of the list and receive services first. In efforts to reach the people in most need, Builders Care has built an informal referral team consisting of City Council members, code enforcement, Meals on Wheels, local pastors, and others who have direct contact with those in need. This method allows us to respond in a rapid method.