In the well-kept neighborhoods of Collin County, it’s hard to imagine there are families in need of a more suitable roof over their heads. Yet, Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County just completed construction on their fiftieth home—that’s 50 homes donated to deserving, hard-working Collin County families living in sub-standard conditions. But, Habitat doesn’t just use financial and material donations to help construct homes; it uses area residents’ hands. In fact, you can help by donating your own hands, time and effort, as well as your family’s.
Hundreds of volunteers participate in yearly construction efforts throughout the cities of South Collin County. The vast majority of volunteers have little to no construction experience, shares development director Jill Smola; but with a little dedication and on-the-job training, area residents make fine laborers who help frame, roof, paint, landscape and more. And, working side by side with area residents, the soon-to-be homeowners help volunteers throughout the construction process. This way, explains Smola, workers experience the resulting joy when a family is able to realize their dream of home ownership and the benefactors get to see the hard work and dedication of their neighbors.
Yielding a hammer isn’t the only way you can help these dreams come true. Adult volunteers are also needed to help in the Habitat’s office, work in ReStore (a Habitat-owned store that sells gently used home furnishings), serve on planning committees and more.
Kids can join, too. Habitat launched a special youth-focused volunteer drive last November (still ongoing) called “Extreme Build for Youth.” This program involves kids of all ages—however, construction roles are limited as follows: kids younger than age 14 may help landscape, manage tools, serve meals, stock the house with supplies and off-site construction projects; youth 14-15 may build inside the house once it’s considered “in the dry” or ready for dry wall, painting, lower-level siding work and more; youth 16-17 may be on a ladder during construction; youth 18 and older may be on the roof during construction.
This project is all about learning something new, meeting new friends, having fun and making a difference for people in our community, Smola adds.
Time commitments vary; construction work is completed on Saturdays on location. Interested volunteers may fill out volunteer applications and undergo an online training at www.habitat-scc.org.
