Habitat for Humanity
Generally speaking, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot. In this case, my “iron” is Habitat for Humanity’s “Home Builders Blitz” that occured 3 weeks ago in Charlottesville, VA. The iron has cooled, but I reckon that if I hit it hard enough, it may bend yet.
This project was part of a nationwide effort that resulted in nearly 500 homes being built in one week. The Charlottesville Blitz included 6 of those new homes. Habitat in C’ville plans to complete 10 additional homes this year. Habitat is a well-known organization, and for good reason. They provide “a helping hand, not a hand-out.” Habitat volunteers…
… work side-by-side with Habitat homeowners, known as partner families. The partner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor and “sweat equity” into building their own houses and the homes of fellow partner families.
Habitat homes are sold to partner families at cost (no profit to Habitat) with a no-interest mortgage. Because there are no labor costs, no profits for the builders and no interest, most partner families pay less per month for their Habitat home than they paid in rent for a substandard dwelling.
It’s truly amazing how positive such endeavors can be. Not only for future homeowners, but also for EVERYONE involved. Volunteers are spiritually uplifted, communities are strengthened, and the quality of life just goes up. Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to be involved in a unique Habitat project known as the City Congregations Home. On this project, local religious congregations pooled their financial and human resources to sponsor a build. Particularly noteworthy was how the Jewish and Muslim contingents worked together on Sundays (while the Christian groups were at church ;->). On a Habitat project, the ripples of “good vibrations” extend far and wide.
I could sing the praises of Habitat all day long, but I’d rather urge you to get out there and see for yourself…VOLUNTEER!
Technorati Tags: habitat for humanity, charlottesville
June 26th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
Aye Aye mon capitaine! Tout de suite!
June 27th, 2006 at 7:34 am
I’ve had the “volunteer urge” for quite a while now. What would you recommend for someone with a lot of enthusiasm but not much time?
June 28th, 2006 at 8:26 am
Steve, my friend, I believe Habitat is just the place for you! Now, they don’t use waddle & daub anymore, but your general skills would be most welcome ;-> Seriously, Habitat is local, there are several houses being built, and they can always use good help, and even if you can only put in a couple of hours on a Saturday morning, that’s cool. In fact, I know of a partner family that is working on their sweat equity, but they don’t have any (reliable) transportation. Maybe I could get you to pick them up some Saturday and you all could go to a job together?