Karraine Moody, CEO at Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity Profile

Karraine Moody
CEO at Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity


Karraine Moody, CEO at Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity

“Making Affordable Homeownership a Reality”

Karraine Moody, CEO at Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, is an innovative business thinker. She has the gifted ability to analyze potential relationships or engagement opportunities based on balancing her team's needs, the organization's capacity, and other sensitive/critical stakeholder partnerships. She plans ahead and is thoughtful and actionable with her efforts. She communicates her steps at appropriate points and recognizes when to engage others in her planning and decision-making. Karraine has a strong vision for the organization. Her passion shines, and she delivers real results. One word to describe Karraine's ability to engage in strategic and visionary thinking for Habitat is superb. Karraine is one of a kind; she's a forward thinker, constantly planning for the future of Habitat.

"I am passionate about people and making a difference in my community. I believe that we are all essential to the process. I am dedicated to eliminating substandard housing because it plays a major factor in life's outcome. With adequate housing, other accomplishments are possible including education attainment, career growth, civic engagement and finally family stability."

Karraine has first-hand experience being an entrepreneur and knows the need for women to shape their destiny. Early in Karraine’s career, she mentored several young women and offered annual internships. “If I was to give any advice, I would say never give up and continue to pursue/develop every gift that is inside of your wheelhouse.”

Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat was created in 1976 to create homeownership opportunities for the working family that could not access conventional funding. Habitat is giving a hand up at the core of the mission and not a hand out to create affordable homeownership. “Our homeowners are not receiving a free home, but the chance to build stability for their families and community,” says Karraine. Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity has four arms that sustain the mission. “I am leading a construction company, retail social enterprise, family selection/social service and finally a charity. All of these businesses are working under the Habitat model to fulfill the mission. At the core, we are serving the individual, the community and the nation,” she adds.

Karraine is passionate about people and making a difference in her community. “I believe that we are all essential to the process,” she says. “I am dedicated to eliminating substandard housing because it plays a major factor in life's outcome.” With adequate housing, other accomplishments are possible, including educational attainment, career growth, civic engagement, and finally, family stability. “When we build in a particular town or city, our number one goal is create and/or maintain affordable homeownership. Through our housing programs, we are striving to serve as many families as possible,” adds Karraine. “In some areas, the need is new housing and in others there may be a need to address blighted properties. Our repair program serves the vulnerable populations (elderly, veterans and those with limited mobility) that are seeking to remain in their homes so they can age in place. In all of these programs, the mission is directly impacting homeownership.”

A few years ago, Habitat was challenged to expand its construction standards regarding sustainability. They accepted the challenge and began to research best practices. Through vendor support, the task force worked closely with the construction department to modify their house plans to accommodate solar panels, increase insulation, and build homes that qualify under the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED program. Habitat’s homes will now be a part of the solution to global warming at the macro level. However, at the micro-level, their homes are now even more affordable for homeowners-so it is a win-win solution. Last year, Habitat’s build was awarded the Housing Innovation Award for being a Zero Energy Ready Home from the U.S. Department of Energy. “Our commitment to sustainability remains; going forward all of our new homes will be zero energy ready!” says Karraine.

In the next year, Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity will be expanding into Tolland County. They look forward to creating programs in Bolton, Ellington, Somers, Stafford, Tolland, Union, and Vernon. “Please to share that we will be changing our name due to this expansion as we seek to serve 50 families annually. With our expansion into Tolland County; we will open another ReStore in that region as well as strengthen our Financial Freedom Center,” adds Karraine. IE


Company

Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity

Management

Karraine Moody
CEO

Description

Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope.


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