There is nothing like the feeling of literally having a hand in knowing that you can contribute to making someone's life just a little bit better. That is the feeling I had when I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program to help in the construction of a new home for a family who would not be able to afford one otherwise.
Unfortunately, this was one of those times where I was not able to participate in a volunteer activity with my sister, Therese, but it was an opportunity I did not want to miss. The selected location for the construction of the new house was at 22nd and Quindaro in Kansas City, KS. When I pulled up, I saw a modest structure with walls already braced up, a roof that had the paper secured on it and the basic shell of a house.
I chose the Women Build program because I wanted to help with the construction of a house but I knew that I was not as saavy when it came to the technical aspects of construction. I already knew how to swing a hammer, lift a paint brush and had some very basic skills but I knew I would need instruction on how to perform the needs or duties that were unfamiliar to me. I thought I would be able to learn better from another experienced woman instructing me and possibly work side-by-side instead of just being an "assistant" as I had experienced in other house building projects I had participated in the past.
The need that day was framing up walls in the basement or installing the composite shingles on the roof … I chose the roof. I had never done anything remotely close to roofing before and I let them know that but I told them if shown, I could learn how to do it. So, throwing any trepidation aside, I climbed up the ladder and spent my day on the roof helping others lay down the composite shingles. Standing on top of the roof, looking down at the other houses in the neighborhood (some where fairly run down), I was reminded as to why I was there ... I was literally helping to put a "roof" over a low-income family's head.
Habitat for Humanity is yet another opportunity for people to involve themselves in something special. Their Women Build program "promotes the involvement of women in the eradication of poverty housing by working on the construction of Habitat houses. Women Build projects provide low-income families with decent, affordable homes and an opportunity for women to learn construction in a supportive, encouraging and empowering environment."
So, pick up the hammer … what are you waiting for?
How can you "build" up someone else's life and make a difference?
