Somewhere in your area there is a Habitat for Humanity ReStore or homes being constructed to provide affordable housing for local people. Individuals, wanting homeowners, need to meet various requirements to be part of an upcoming housing opportunity. They put in their hours of sweat equity at the store or on-site where construction happens. I have met future homeowners and know they are very appreciative of the Habitat for Humanity work. Homeowners eventually learn during their sweat equity work how to use many different tools. Within their required workshops they learn how to maintain their home financially and physically. (There is a huge commitment that these upcoming homeowners agree to so they can be chosen, work to earn their home, and be able to afford their upcoming mortgage.)

I believe everyone should have shelter, a home if they wish to work for one. Habitat for Humanity provides that opportunity. Unfortunately home construction does not happen fast and interested buyers need to be eligible. However, I continue to volunteer my time to help construct homes as fast as our local Habitat can muster. Could you help also at the work site so homes are built faster?

I love to learn new things each day. It seems that each day I am on a Habitat for Humanity project, I learn something new … love it! Volunteers come from all walks of life and some have woodworking and/or home construction backgrounds. Not me! When someone takes the time to show me how to pull a warped board out with claw hammer, pictured below, to then nail a top wall board to a frame, that’s valuable to me. 

Another tool I was recently shown how to use is a table saw. The whirring blade was somewhat intimidating to me until I had an instructional lesson on how to use the saw. There are numerous steps to take before even powering up the saw. I will continue to practice with someone watching my work at the saw before I feel comfortable on my own. Another wonderful thing about volunteering on Habitat for Humanity construction projects … others are teaching people, like myself, how to use tools properly and safely. 

If you have time to donate to Habitat for Humanity, please do so. Volunteers are needed at home construction sites and the ReStore. At Tucson’s CHUCK Center where we are indoors building walls for homes. You’re not in the Tucson area? Check what your Habitat for Humanity is doing in your neighborhood. They may need your help too! Please donate your time, if you can. Thanks!