Women Build — Habitat for Humanity

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?

The Life Giving Gift of Blood

Did you know that every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and that more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day? I always knew blood supplies were an important factor in each city especially during certain times of the years but it's hard for me to grasp that every 2 seconds someone is in need of the blood supplied by various agencies. It's something that many take for granted until it's needed. We all have our own supply of this precious gift but not all have the ability to give. In fact, according to the Red Cross less than 38% of the population qualify to donate. Regardless of which percentage line you fall upon, each of us can help contribute to adding to the nations blood supply.

I work with someone who takes it upon himself to organize a blood drive each year. I usually donate at his drive as well as the one organized through my church. I spent a lifetime afraid of needles and would always shy away from donating until a loved one and friend were hospitalized and were in need of blood. I wasn't able to donate for them specifically but as a wife, mother, daughter and sister I couldn't bare the thought of someone needing something that I can so easily give.
Thinking about giving it a chance? You don't need to wait for a drive in your area in order to donate just check online for the blood centers in your area. Most have walk in availability.

So maybe you've already talked yourself out of trying to donate. Too busy, hate needles, faint at the sight of blood well there are other ways to save lives and it's as easy as picking up a pen and signing the back of your drivers license to be an organ donor. All it takes is a pen.

What are you waiting for?
Make a difference in somebody's life!