John Clohisy
An Organization of Faith:

Image taken from: www.mcnews.org.
Habitat for Humanity is an international, nonprofit organization in which volunteers and the families in need pair up to provide convenient, dependable, affordable shelter for the families in need of a home. Since Habitat’s founding by
Millard and Linda Fuller
in 1976, hard work from volunteers and generous donations have made possible the construction of over 225,000 houses
worldwide, benefiting over 1 million people in 3,000 communities. Habitat also has a system of disaster response, with which they help people such as the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Many people with little knowledge of Habitat tend to think that the organization “gives houses to poor people,” but this interpretation is way off, considering that, in most cases, the homeowners make a $500 down payment and pay their mortgage payments regularly in addition to 300 to 500 hours of work on their and/or other homeowners’ houses. Even though Habitat is a Catholic organization, neither volunteers nor homeowners have to be of any certain race or religion; however, homeowners must meet the requirements of need, ability to pay the affordable costs, and will to put in the time of good, hard work.
I have participated in Habitat for Humanity twice, once over this past summer and once two summers ago. Along with members of my parish and of other parishes, I helped with the building of the walls, roofs, and stairs, and with the inside painting jobs. Both of these experiences have left me physically drained, and it is very rewarding at the end of the day to think of how much progress your group has made. The other people involved are some of the nicest people I have ever met. An example of the selflessness these people show is an older, round man named Don, who I worked with both summers. Don is not even cleared to work these projects, and even though he almost cut off two of his fingers the first time I went, he just keeps coming back because he loves helping these people so much. Habitat has been a life-changing experience for me in many ways. One way in particular is the increased awareness of some of my blessings that I so often take for granted. I will never even come close to realizing all of my blessings, but Habitat gave me a greater appreciation for my family and friends, and the wonderful house I live in. Another way Habitat has touched me is in humility. I see how thankful these future homeowners are to the volunteers helping them and I see the eagerness and pride with which they approach their work, and this humbles me, providing an example to how I can approach my work. Habitat is a life-changing establishment that has touched many lives around the globe. I am glad that I have had the privilege to take part in this experience and since it is in the present that we determine our future, I will take what I have learned and apply it to my everyday life.
Sources Consulted: www.habitat.org