Habitat For Humanity

I'd like to share a story that continues to shape my thinking & some of my own life choices.

In my earlier years, I used to believe in coincidences, but no longer. While, I will always cherish a sense of serendipity -- so much of what we enjoy in life is just being open; to new ideas, to new people, to new places. Things happen for a reason.

That is how I discovered Habitat for Humanity (or visa versa). It began quite a few years ago, when I was down in Atlanta on a business trip. As I walked through the hotel's elegant lobby, I made note of several well-dressed, dark-suited gentlemen, conversing nearby. I continued across the large, luxuriously appointed lobby to the elevator on the far side. Three of the gentlemen followed me; then pressed the red stop button. The alarm bell sounded briefly. How curious, I thought!

Moments later a white-haired gentleman, of medium stature, with a familiar face and an even brighter smile stepped into the small enclosure - it was Jimmy Carter (and his Secret Service entourage). Many thoughts raced through my mind. Elevator conversation with strangers is one thing; but just what do you say to a former President of the United States of America; especially if you voted for the "other guy"?

This was my second encounter with the former president. (the previous encounter is another story). He was very down-to-earth and mentioned he was in town for his soon to be opened Presidential Library & Museum, and also to talk with Millard Fuller and the folks at Habitat for Humanity. I had never heard of the later; so I made a mental note.

A few years later, I was visiting friends in Americus, Georgia and had a chance to hear more about Habitat for Humanity. Americus is in the middle of nowhere, some three-plus hours south of Atlanta; however it is where HFH has their World HQ, founded by Millard & Linda Fuller. It's my humble opinion that a safe, comfortable place to call home is at the top of the list of life necessities (family & friends, food, clothing, education, meaningful work & life purpose being among the rest).

Most recently, I moved here to Plymouth and was thrilled to hear that HFH was building a home nearby. Rather than the traditional, "Stick Build" (with a wooden frame), it was to be a "Green Build", an energy efficient, environmentally friendly construction. I was intrigued and when there has been free time, I have done my best to help. I wish I could have put in more hours, as I believe whole-heartedly in what HFH is trying to do. Not only did I meet some of the nicest people, but I also learned quite a lot about home construction and "green living". For me, the frosting on the cake came when we had the dedication, just recently. The long hours of toil & sweat were replaced with tears of joy by Jackie S. and her family.

Today HFH has built more than 300,000 homes for families here in the US and around the world. What I like most about the program is that is not a handout, but really it's a helping hand up. The houses are less expensive, as volunteers build them; and many folks & companies make donations for materials. It's a little reminiscent of the days of an old-fashioned barn raising. Families still have the responsibility of a low cost mortgage and have to put in some real sweat equity as well as help newer HFH families with their projects.

The Plymouth build has been a labor of love & sweat. It all began with a serendipitous elevator encounter in Atlanta, many years ago.

For anyone interested, here is a link: http://www.habitat.org/