#Volunteer Spotlight : Habitat for Humanity - @Habitat_org
While getting involved with my high school’s community service group, there was a new outing with a group called Habitat.
The description was vague but included power tools, so I decided to give it a shot.
That first day of construction got me hooked.
Habitat for Humanity, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1976. Habitat has been devoted to building "simple, decent, and affordable" housing and has addressed the issues of poverty housing all over the world. Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve more than 800,000 homes making Habitat the largest not-for-profit builder in the world.
This was the first time I had ever used hand tools or power tools - and the feeling was invigorating. The Habitat staff took the time to make sure we felt comfortable and knew how to safely complete our tasks.
It’s no joke, you are really building someone’s house.
One of the unique aspects is that homeowners are expected to put 500 hours of "sweat equity" into their own home. This sweat equity acts as the down payment on the home. So, while I was sitting in the Chicago heat driving nails into the roof or painting the kitchen, I got to meet the family that would be living there. It was humbling and gratifying to see the joy on their faces and always gives me a boost while on site.
Once construction on the home is finished, the homeowner purchases the home with a 0% interest mortgage and with monthly payments. Including taxes and insurance, this loan does not exceed 30% of the household's monthly income. This model helps families not only get into a home, but also to be able to afford to maintain it.
I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to 6 states on Habitat builds - Chicago, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia and Florida. Long ago I lost count on how many houses I’ve worked on, but I would wager a guess of over 100. I've chaperoned trips of high schoolers. I've received training from Habitat on how to lead construction groups. I’ve also had a few opportunities to spend 1-2 weeks on site working on houses and it’s incredible to see the transformation.
After Hurricane Andrew hit the coast of Florida, I was able to spend time at a Habitat village where Habitat built a subdivision of over 200 home. I’ve gained the skills, confidence and experience to be handier around the house and have an appreciation for the trades and craftsmanship.
I love Habitat so much that the first date with my wife was pouring concrete foundations at a Habitat site.
There’s another interesting side to Habitat that I’ve been involved in- The ReStore.
Habitat ReStores are retail outlets that sell new and used building and household materials donated by small businesses, large companies, job sites, and individuals. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of houses within the community. Many ReStores cover the administrative costs of the Habitat affiliate so that 100% of donor funds can be put toward home construction and rehabilitation projects.
I worked at the Chicago ReStore for over a year. During orientation, they were looking for someone with electrical knowledge, and of course I raised my hand in enthusiasm not knowing what I would get into.
It was interesting taking items that needed repair or maintenance and bringing them back to life.
I got to discover the innards of washing machines, the complex wirings of antique chandeliers and how a motor works.
A roof over your head is one of the basic human needs. Without it, work, education, food...it all becomes a lot more difficult to attain. Habitat has been working to solve this problem for over 40 years, and will continue to be an incredible organization to support.