Building community from the ground up
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We hope our money goes to the people we want to help and we hope we have had some effect on the people we meet and interact with in our various community activities. But many times the results of our efforts can be somewhat intangible.
That’s why Habitat for Humanity is a rewarding experience for the people involved with it. The organization obtains and provides funding to construct housing for low-income families.
These are deserving families who work hard, but find it difficult to afford a decent home in today’s economy.
And what could be more rewarding than driving by and watching children play in front of a home you know you helped to provide funds for, or even helped build with your own two hands? You see, Habitat for Humanity not only provides funding, it also provides the very human helping hands that put the homes together.
The homes are constructed by volunteers from every walk of life. Local churches have been very active in the organization here in Warren County as have local and national businesses and other organizations.
And if you look among the workers plying the hammer and nails, you might even find a politician or two. Kind of gives a different slant to the term “dirty politics” when the dirt comes from working at a Habitat site.
And when it is complete, what is the result of all this work and dedication from all these erstwhile volunteers?
A building?
No, a home.
Such is the dwelling currently under construction by Habitat for Humanity on Estridge St. here in McMinnville.
The scene there on a sunny Saturday morning is reminiscent of the barn raisings that whole communities used to participate in earlier and, admittedly, simpler days. Such gatherings were celebrations of the work ethic and spirit of community that has made America great.
That spirit isn’t dead. It is alive and well on the corner of Bell and Estridge.
It isn’t a quiet place on that corner. In the air is a virtual cacophony of sounds from hammers and saws, the clink of nails and tools, planks falling into place and cheerful voices, lots of cheerful voices.
Among those voices is Randy Garrison, President of Habitat for Humanity in Warren County.
“We’re calling this the house the General Assembly built.” Garrison says. “It was a program they started three years ago.”
On hand as well was McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport.
“This is something to be proud of,” he says. “It takes guys like Randy to get these things organized so the rest of us can kick in.”
“This is the fifth house we’ve built in Warren County,” Garrison says, “but the first we have built on city land.”
“The previous owner couldn’t pay the taxes,” Mayor Davenport explains. “We sold it at public auction but the bids didn’t cover the taxes owed so the city took it over. There were eight lots and we gave the list of eight lots to Habitat for Humanity and let them pick out four and this is one of them. The great thing about this is that when the house is finished, it goes right back on the tax records and the city begins to recoup its taxes so that instead of a liability, it turns into an asset.”
It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, including the family that will eventually occupy the home.
“This just goes to show you what you can do when people work together,” Habitat secretary Kay Ramsey says. “We’d like to thank the local churches and everyone involved.”
Among the many volunteers are several well known local and state folks. Dr. Wally Bigbee is seen handing out cups of water to thirsty workers. District 47 House Representative Butch Lewis can be seen on one corner pounding home a few nails. First Baptist Church minister Fred Bueto and Father Jim Bretl are on hand for spiritual support. Diane Stanley, one of the people who has been instrumental in getting Habitat for Humanity going in Warren County, watches from the sidelines.
There are many others, too many to mention unfortunately, but one gets the feeling they aren’t there to get mentioned. They are there to build a home.
“There’s a quote from Randy Garrison I just love,” Kay Ramsey says at one point. “He said, ‘The more walls we build, the more walls we tear down.'”
Here’s another catch phrase for you: Building community from the ground up. That’s what Habitat for Humanity is and that’s what Habitat for Humanity does.
Doing good works. Building something that will last for years to come and provide a real-world example of what a community can do when it sets its mind to it. Something we can see and touch.
Something we can all be proud of.