After 25 years, the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity executive director who has led 71 affordable housing projects, will retire from his position Friday, Aug. 30.
Reverend Jeffrey Barrett serves as pastor at Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, site of Habitat offices. He was saluted Saturday at a groundbreaking ceremony for Habitat’s 75th project in a field at 1920 Jericho Road in Aurora. The field is Habitat’s future site for a 17-home Green Freedom subdivision.
Future Habitat homeowner Mireya Augilera read a statement expressing appreciation for Habitat’s partnership. She was accompanied by husband Humberto and children Remi, Itzak, and Christian.
Donations of cash, construction materials and licensed labor are sought for the Aguilera home. It is part of Habitat Green Freedom, a 17-home Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood.
Rev. Barrett announced his retirement in an August 23 e-mail to Habitat friends. It was co-signed by Mark Knox, Habitat board vice chair, who will become interim executive director. The pastor said Sunday his resignation is effective Friday, Aug. 30. “What remains unchanged is our unwavering commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission, to our community, and to the families we serve” said the pastor and Knox.
In remarks Saturday, Knox said “This (Rev. Barrett’s retirement) is very sad news. This is a bittersweet moment. We are happy for Jeff. The Habitat board of directors wish Jeff nothing but the best.”
U.S. Congressman Bill Foster and Kane County board chairman Corinne Pierog joined Knox in commending Rev. Barrett for his service.
Rick Loufek, Habitat board chair, emceed the ceremony. Maritza Velazquez, youth leader at Fresh Start City Church in Aurora, gave an opening prayer.
Loufek introduced partners in the Faith Build, a collaboration of local faith communities providing monetary and volunteer support. Partners commenting were Rev. Duane Mevis, Naperville, Habitat founding father in 1988; Rev. Tammy Scott, lead pastor, Wesley United Methodist Church, Aurora; Rev. Eric Blachford, pastor, Grace UMC Naperville; and Lisa Farley, owner, Accurate Door, Aurora.
—Al Benson