I like to build things. I like using power tools. I like precision measurement and swinging a hammer. And who doesn’t like helping those less fortunate get a leg up? This suggestion was perfect for me! For months and months I perused the Habitat for Humanity website. I registered to receive emails. I was alerted every time there was a walk-on volunteer opportunity near me. I just couldn’t seem to pull the trigger. Yes, there are things even I don’t want to do alone.
Fast forward to a fun Memorial Day party at Suzanne and Rob’s this year, dinner conversation with their friend Dave turned to retirement and building stuff. You know, as it does. Dave has volunteered for HFH and with a bit of wine-induced courage I told him I was all in the next time he volunteered. A few days later I learned Dave would be working on a house in Patchogue and I couldn’t sign up fast enough.
On the day of the “build” I arrived at 8:45, met the site foreman, and was outfitted with a bright pink hardhat, gloves and eye protection. Did you know that three people a day lose their eyesight on a construction site? Neither did I. I put those glasses on.
My first job was to help dry vac a small basement flood with the site supervisor – lovely 23 year old Zoe who kicked serious ass. I installed roof baffles, basement insulation, moved flooring materials, organized pieces of siding, wielded a screw gun to construct and install window covers and generally tidied up. None of it was glamorous, all of it was rewarding.
And for those as interested in the homeowner’s responsibility as I was, here’s the deal: the single mother of four who will receive the house is financially vetted, takes on a $100k interest free mortgage and is required to put in “sweat equity” by working on the house herself.
Suggested by MaryEllen Brandt
Completed 6/4/19