Habitat for Humanity St. Louis

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Ever feel like you just need to get out and do something good for someone? I volunteered my time and energy to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis on Saturday from 7am until about 4pm and I am definitely still feeling a bit drained but it’s definitely worth it. In fact -weather permitting- I’ll be on the job site near Garrison and Thomas in North St. Louis City again this Saturday!

Habitat for Humanity brings families and communities in need together with volunteers and resources to build decent, affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity houses are sold with no profit made. Homeowners contribute "sweat equity," and house payments are recycled to build additional houses. (*Know what else is cool? Habitat is also in the process of becoming a certified green builder. EVERYTHING gets recycled and recycled wood products make up the frame of the houses!)

Before becoming involved with Habitat, I was pretty foggy on what they were all about. (Me: “You mean they build houses for people for free?!?”) It is absolutely not that simple. Habitat depends on the surrounding community and generous companies that donate their time, people and resources (not to mention individual volunteers) to make the actual build possible. The Homebuyers, in turn, put in lots and lots of “sweat equity” into their new communities. One of the most striking requirements to me is that prospective Homeowners also invest hundreds of hours (450 HOURS!) of their own labor -- sweat equity -- into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Homebuyers are able to help build and purchase new, decent housing for their family with affordable, interest-free loans. This really makes it possible for a hard-working family to move into a neighborhood that also needs a facelift. Habitat ultimately does more than provide homes for low-income families, it helps rebuild communities.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, click here.

My personal experience on Saturday was different than it had been in the past. This was the first time I saw the bare frame of the house, sans windows and roof. On a previous build, I had joined in later in the project when cabinets and flooring was going in.

Upon arrival at the site, there was an immediate buzz of energy among the House Leaders, Crew Leaders and volunteers. The day began with a quick rundown of where the house was currently, and where we wanted to be at the end of the day.  Volunteers are assigned a house to work on and are then broken up into teams of people that do different jobs. I chose to help get the trusses  into place and secured. I figured, “I can hammer in some nails!” I wore down faster than the burly men doing the same job, and I am just now regaining the full use of my arms, but I put in a solid day of work and got my tasks accomplished with lots of help from everyone on-site.

The Homeowners, Margaret, Harlem and Willie, came out and put in some of the aforementioned “sweat equity” and met with the volunteers working on their new home. The energy and emotion that comes from a new Habitat homeowner is one of the most uplifting things you can experience. I recommend it the next time you get that itch to get out and do some good without being asked. You might just want to meet some really great people, put your skills to use or get out of your routine for a day or more.

Maybe I’ll see you at the build this coming Saturday!

Click the gallery tab to see some of what goes on at a Habitat for Humanity build.