Habitat for Humanity

Reid and I attended the Groundbreaking of a new home division being built by Habitat for Humanity yesterday.  It was cool, with the shovels and all the important people (our Senator and County Commissioner, and others including a long time volunteer) turning up the dirt in a very cool ceremony.  They had a pastor from a Lutheran church offer a blessing on the ground.  They had speakers, food, and a bluegrass band performing.  It filled me with community spirit!  We were invited to attend because Anchor Bank is sponsoring it and Reid is serving on their Board.  I learned a little about Habitat for Humanity and thought I would share it. 

This information is about our South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity group.  It was begun by a couple who went on a vacation with their family to work on a home for HFH in 1987.  They were so inspired that they came back to Olympia and started our own, and have so far built 34 homes.  It is very difficult to get one of these homes.  They have quite a process to go through and criteria to meet.  For example, you need to have children, have a combined household income of less than $25, 000, you have to help build your home, and you have a mortgage you must keep current.  The homes are very modest, but they can be as large as 1700 Square feet, although most of them are "cottages" with no garage, just a car port.  We liked the part that the future homeowners have to help build the home.  Kids too.  They have to put in 500 hours!  Even if they have no experience in homebuilding, they can paint and do other things to work for their home.  The law requires that all electrical and plumbing work be done by only professionals, though. 

We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived, to see a man from our ward there.  He is an electrician.  We learned that he spends many, many hours volunteering for Habitat for Humanity doing their electrical work.  We had no idea!

Ways that you can volunteer:  Donate money, donate materials, even used materials.  Organize a church work group and schedule a time.  Show up any Wednesday or Saturday between 9 and 3 and be prepared to get your hands dirty.  They say, "No experience, No problem."  They also need volunteers to make lunch for the construction volunteers.  There is volunteer office jobs, and community members needed to serve on the selection committee for who is eligible for the homes, too.  And of course, if you are a skilled construction worker, they definitely desire your help!  They also have volunteer security guards at night. 

Wow, so many ways to help!  Why don't you see if your area has a Habitat for Humanity Group and get involved!