Perhaps you have a very good reason for not volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. For example, volunteering can involve construction, and maybe this is not something you’re able to do. But if you are looking to improve, you should know that Habitat welcomes unskilled laborers. I myself learned most of the substantial amount I know about construction from building on Habitat houses. Perhaps it is more that, although you think Habitat a noble cause, construction is not something that interests you. If this is the case, you should know that there are many areas in which Habitat needs help that won’t require you to go anywhere near a hammer. You could write articles for the newsletter, take photographs, cook lunches for the volunteer groups, help keep the books, help acquire building materials, tools, or land.

Still not interested? Maybe it’s more that you object to Habitat on principle, maybe you object to an organization that, as I’ve heard so many people say, “gives away houses.” Well, if this is the case, you should know that Habitat does not “give away houses.” In fact, the recipients of Habitat houses pay for their houses in full. They don’t pay for the labor, but then they are required to help provide a substantial amount of the labor, something Habitat calls their “sweat equity hours.” What Habitat does is give interest free loans, so that working people can afford to get out of the substandard housing they are living in and purchase a home for themselves.

Volunteering with Habitat does not require you to possess any special abilities beyond the willingness and desire to help. There are as many ways as there are people willing. And if volunteering is not something that’s practical for you, think about making a financial contribution, donating building supplies, or donating some land. It’s for a good cause.

Located in Cleveland, Bolivar County Habitat for Humanity builds homes with families in all of Bolivar County. To contribute or volunteer contact our office at (662) 843-7781; please leave a message if there is no answer.