A Tribute to Ed Blake
April 2024
Ed Blake’s profound journey with Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area (formerly Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity) began in 2000, fueled by a deep-seated commitment to community service.
His remarkable tenure, spanning 24 years, reflects a legacy of tireless dedication and transformative leadership.
From volunteering on the Real Estate Committee to assuming pivotal roles on the board of directors, including a distinguished term as board president, Ed’s journey culminated in his appointment as CEO in 2011. Throughout his years of service, Ed’s tireless efforts have helped 82 low-income families realize the dream of homeownership, positively impacting the lives of 293 people, including 182 children. His vision and passion were the driving force behind numerous initiatives that reshaped our organization and touched countless lives.
Under Ed's stewardship, Habitat Salt Lake experienced unprecedented growth and innovation. With his guidance, our organization expanded from a modest team of seven to a thriving community of 20, witnessing a remarkable five-fold increase in revenue. Ed leaves behind a seasoned team of committed professionals poised to carry forward his impactful work.
Ed handing the keys to new homeowner Nicole and her children at the Field of Dreams, April 2024.
Affordable Homeownership Program
Ed's dedication to making homeownership accessible and sustainable for our partner families is evident in his visionary leadership of our Affordable Homeownership Program. During his tenure as CEO, Habitat Salt Lake helped 40 families become homeowners, fostering brighter futures for 159 individuals, including 104 children.
Ed's commitment to affordability led to an innovative design of highly energy-efficient homes with food production capability and low monthly utility and maintenance costs. The award-winning design was first implemented in the Field of Dreams community in Kearns, Utah, raising the standard for future Habitat projects.
Field of Dreams eco-community design
To expand the program's capacity, Ed spearheaded the implementation of a groundbreaking revolving loan fund model, raising $10 million to provide immediate access to vital resources for our clients. His pioneering efforts have established a blueprint for a sustainable funding model that will positively impact Habitat affiliates nationwide.
The Salt Lake City ReStore
The ReStore
Ed's impact extended beyond housing initiatives to include establishing and growing the Salt Lake ReStore. As CEO, Ed oversaw a five-fold increase in ReStore sales, transforming it into a beacon of hope for our community. The ReStore provides cost-effective home goods and champions sustainability by repurposing over 600 tons of materials annually.
Critical Home Repair Program (CHiRP)
Home gutted by a fireOne of Ed’s most enduring legacies is the creation of the Critical Home Repair Program (CHiRP), addressing the social determinants of health and safety within low-income households. Leveraging his experience as a founding member of the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, strategic partnerships, and innovative funding models, Ed spearheaded CHiRP’s expansion into the healthcare sector and secured over $8.5 million in funding. His commitment to eradicating asthma triggers within households has positioned Habitat Salt Lake among the top 10 Habitat U.S. affiliates dedicated to this cause.
Since the program’s inception in 2012, CHiRP has served 227 families, improving the health and life safety of 666 people, including 231 children, 114 disabled, and 15 Veterans. Historically, CHiRP completed an average of 20 projects per year; however, due to Ed’s efforts, CHiRP will complete 80 projects in FY24 and is well-positioned to complete 100 projects annually.
Ed with a Habitat homeowner in Kenya.
International Impact
Beyond our local community, Ed's impact reverberates on a global scale. Each Habitat affiliate sponsors a sister international affiliate in an impoverished area, and Ed selected Habitat for Humanity Kenya. Support from Habitat Salt Lake has funded 106 homes in Kenya, fostering cross-cultural solidarity and empowering communities.
Disaster Relief
Having served as the President of the Utah chapter of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Ed ensured Habitat Salt Lake could support disaster efforts. His deployment to Texas in 2017, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, underscores his commitment to serving communities in need. To support local disaster response efforts, Ed established the Salt Lake ReStore as a designated distribution center for essential items and implemented a system to recruit disaster relief volunteers.
Homelessness
Ed's commitment to social justice and homelessness extends beyond Habitat for Humanity. In 2014, his mentorship played a fundamental role in establishing The INN Between, Utah’s first hospice for people experiencing homelessness. That same year, he contributed to creating No Fixed Address, an original exhibit by The Leonardo museum to raise awareness about the truth of homelessness. In December 2016, he contributed to Where Children Sleep, The Leonardo’s follow-up exhibit, shedding light on the plight of children experiencing homelessness.
Autism
Ed served on the board of the Autism Council of Utah, an organization that fosters collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies. The council promotes access to autism resources, information, and help.
In conclusion, Ed Blake's legacy embodies the spirit of service and compassion that defines Habitat for Humanity's mission. His visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on our organization and the communities we serve. As we bid farewell to Ed, we honor his legacy and pledge to carry forward his impactful work, guided by his enduring example of service and compassion.
