New Faces at Habitat

Meet Laura Allen-Hatcher

We are also happy to welcome the new Grants Administrator, Laura Allen-Hatcher. Her first few weeks here have been a whirlwind, but she says she has a lot to look forward to working here. Read on to hear it in her own words.

What is your history with Habitat? “When I was in college, I took a construction class at Arapahoe Community College. I really enjoyed just learning carpentry in general. Then I decided that I would volunteer on a Women’s Build project with Habitat to continue practicing my carpentry as well as volunteer with an organization I was somewhat familiar with. I really enjoyed that.

“My other contact with Habitat has been in my previous role with the City of Aurora, I was a Community Development Programs Specialist. That entailed actually funding Habitat.”

What does the Grants Administrator do? “I go after federal grant funds for the purpose of acquiring properties and helping to pay for infrastructure work. So, I fill out the grant applications, work through the approval process once we get approved, and negotiate contracts with the jurisdictions of the cities, counties, and possibly the state for the federal funds that they’re offering. Then, once we’re contracted, it is a matter of making sure that we are complying with the contract. Also, I track the progress of the project, do reports, and, ultimately, do payment requests to the jurisdictions to get reimbursed for the money we’ve expended.”

What is your favorite part about working at Habitat? “I really enjoy the team atmosphere that I’ve been experiencing. I would say that the corporate culture here is much more friendly, open, welcoming, team-oriented. I think the energy that the organization has is very refreshing. Here, there are lots of new and interesting things going on. People are excited about working with you. Even though it’s hard work, they come with a lot of energy and a really great attitude. I’ve really enjoyed that part of it.”

What are you looking forward to? “I’m really looking forward to the day where I feel like I know it, I got it, I’m in some kind of flow. At that point, I can start to be more and more creative about what I do. It’s been a challenge, but everyday it starts to feel a little bit better.”