Understanding Habitat for Humanity

Both yesterday and today, I had the opportunity, along with the other girls, to work with other volunteers in Habitat for Humanity Collier County.  I spent my time laying tiles in a new home that was being built for an Immokalee family.  The applicants must be US citizens or permanent legal residents who must pass criminal background checks.  This nonprofit organization helps families who are not financially capable of receiving loans due to circumstance such as bad credit or insufficient funds.  They could not qualify to receive the mortgage because lack of credit, and they cannot make a down payment on the house.  Essentially, the houses built are sold to the working poor.  I learned that future homeowners in the residential area must commit to 500 working hours in volunteering alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers.  Then, the last 100 hours are spent working on their future house.  This experience taught me that as a group we as humans can accomplish so much.  I was told these houses were started six weeks ago, and already, they have roofs, floors, windows and doors.  There were volunteers from all over such as states like Ohio, Wisconsin and Massachusetts.  We all came together to assist in fulfilling the dream that many Americans have, of owning a house.

-Celine, Sophomore Nursing Student