Habitat for Humanity

We are sponsoring a Habitat house again this year. Actually, it is a townhouse that is part of a neighborhood renewal project on the north side of Madison.

As part of this project, First Congo has committed to raising $30,000 this year. There will be a fund raising campaign starting soon.

One of the great things about Habitat is that we all have the chance to do some hands on volunteering. Folks will be needed to "hammer nails" at the home site. This opportunity should be available two days a week, Saturday plus one other day. Work on our house is expected to begin in May.

I have long admired the work done by Habitat. My father has volunteered for Habitat about twice a week for the last 14 years, so I was quite familiar with the home building process. However, there was one aspect of Habitat that I only learned of after First Congo became involved: 10% of the funds raised end up going to build houses in undeveloped countries. When First Congo sponsored our last home, our commitment was for $75,000. Of that, Habitat earmarked $7,500 for building a home or homes in undeveloped countries. Since we sponsored the whole house, we got to choose where this project would take place. The Executive Council could not decide between Cambodia, where we have a connection through the Foods Resource Bank, and Chiapas, Mexico, where we have a long time connection from member trips there. We ended up making an additional contribution from some Foundation grant monies, and sponsored a home in both areas. (Two homes were built for under $10,000). I find this program to be a wonderful component of the great work that Habitat does.

I plan to hammer some nails at our house this summer. I hope to see you there!