Monday, April 6, 2009

Working with Habitat

This was the first day of the Columbus Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Build.In March almost 300 college students from 15 different colleges spent their spring break here, building 14 houses in 5 days.It makes one feel good about the younger generation.In addition to the Care-A-Vanners, there are neighborhood youngsters from the Boy's and Girls' Clubs working with us this week.One of my partners today was a beautiful little 8 year old girl who ran errands and hammered nails all day.She will sleep well tonight.

I cannot say enough about how great this organization is and how special to be doing this during Holy Week.When people get decent housing, their lives can change and a cluster of Habitat homes can change an entire community for the better.This is my third build with the Care-A-Vanners and each one is different but the volunteers are all wonderful people who have done interesting things with their lives. Three of the women here are retired teachers.I'm the only single woman here .

Today we did inside finishing work to get ready for the drywall folks.Tomorrow I think we will paint which isn't my favorite job but we do whatever is needed. I'd rather put on siding.About 25 people from AFLAC (without the duck) came today to begin their house. That company builds a house a year for Habitat and pays its employees for the volunteer day.They had twice as many volunteers as they could use for this house and the rest go on next year's list.What a neat way to help the community!