Habitat for Humanity

[viscousmemories]

A couple of people have mentioned participating in a Habitat for Humanity program, so I thought I'd start a thread for a discussion of the subject. Of all the charitable programs I've heard of in my lifetime this one has always appealed to me the most. Maybe it's because I'm a pinko commie type of person, but the idea of a group of people doing physical work with the common goal of providing something tangible for the benefit of another member of the community is really appealing to me.

Nevertheless, I have never taken the time to investigate the program and find out what it consists of, how successful it is, how to participate, etc. So I'm interested to hear about anyone else's experience with it.

[LadyShea]

This is also something I have been interested in. The only experience I have had with them though, is buying from one of their stores :blush: . I know this purchase helps the program overall, but I haven't done any phsyical labor.

I look forward to hearing from anyone with more hands on knowledge

[Dingfod]

I worked on several projects before I found out it was an ecumenical Christian-based organization. You'd never have known it was overtly Christian in nature. Of course, I was with a UU church group and they aren't very religious to begin with.

I have no discernible carpentry skills, but I can swing a hammer and can provide some degree of brute labor; heavy lifting is my forte. If called upon, I have been known to use a circular saw, but don't count on me for precision work. Yet, they still were able to put me to use.


Warren

[livius drusus]

Did you enjoy the work, Warren? Was it a positive kind of whistle-while-you-work atmosphere or just people going about their business?

[Dingfod]

It was fun. Everyone was in a light-hearted mood, lots of joking around, etc. I'd highly recommend it as a volunteer activity.


Warren

[AspenMama]

There have been a couple of threads about this at II. I'll see if I can find them. A few atheists have been severely disappointed by the religious nature of this organziation. And some folks talked about being required to pray during projects. If that kind thing bugs you-- you may want to check out different non profits.

From this website:
http://www.habitat.org/CR/


A Christian Ministry Calling Churches to Action
Habitat for Humanity was created to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, so it is natural that the church—Christ’s body in the world—should be a primary partner in Habitat’s work.

Churches are essential in grounding the work of Habitat in the gospel message and undergirding the ministry of Habitat in prayer. The most successful Habitat for Humanity affiliates are the ones with the strongest church support, and churches have proven to be Habitat’s most reliable and long-term partners.

There's a lot more preaching and similar if you read further on-- it would bother me to contribute time or money to this group when I know of so many other secular non profit organizations where I can contribute my time or money. But that is just me-- and I realize not everyone would care about that.

[viscousmemories]

Interesting. I honestly had never previously (before this thread, of course) heard that HFH had any religious affiliation. I still think it's a worthy cause, of course, but if their associations impact the volunteer experience in any serious way I prefer to know going into it. I'm a bit embarrassed that I didn't go to their site actually. :blush:

Thanks for the info, AM.

[LadyShea]

I have no problem with the religiosity of any organization as long as the people being helped aren't required to convert or attend a revival or something to get aid. I may be slinging 'taters on Thanksgiving with a bunch of Catholics, but I don't care as long as everyone who wants a meal can have it.

With HFH, families get safe places to live, and I don't think there are any religious tests for those families (if I am wrong, please let me know).

It's all about the end goal for me. Please contrast the above, where people get food and shelter, with missionary trips where it's ALL about the conversions and less about aid. In the case of traveling to other countries, I'll go Peace Corps thank you verra much. Others may feel differently.

[viscousmemories]

I have no problem with the religiosity of any organization as long as the people being helped aren't required to convert or attend a revival or something to get aid. I may be slinging 'taters on Thanksgiving with a bunch of Catholics, but I don't care as long as everyone who wants a meal can have it.
I'm with ya for the most part, but if given a choice between two similar charity events, one where there was no singing and praying involved and one where there was, I'd choose the former. In the group I grew up in it would not be out of the ordinary for them to prepare for an event like this with an hour of singing and praying, a whole lot of talk about how the Lord has worked in their life throughout, and maybe closing with more singing and praying. So it's not really as much about would I have any ethical problem with it as would I be really bored and/or annoyed by it or if I would feel alienated or guilty for not playing along.

[AspenMama]

I wonder how things would go if I gathered some Colorado atheists together and we volunteered as a group. That could be interesting.

I've been in the non profit business my whole professional life. I am the Development Director for a local Denver community based non-profit. There are so many small non-profits that could use help that have no stated Christian mission-- and personally, I'd rather volunteer for a secular organization and not deal with prayer and all that goes with it. Recently I just organized a women's group of volunteers for my organization and they are planning a special event for next March. They will be a great boon to this organization. So, my recommendation is, to pick a cause that your interested in, go visit a local non profit that helps that cause and see what they need.

[livius drusus]

I think that's really good advice, Aspen. Local organizations tend to be starved for attention, and seeing the direct effect your of involvement is very rewarding.

[lisarea]

For many many years, my mom donated money to HfH fairly regularly.

Then, a while back, there was some kind of change in the organization. IIRC, it was right around the time that Jimmy Carter stopped being so visible in the organization, and the original founder of the group started publically representing them again.

Anyway, they started sending her really over-the-top proselytizing type of letters, complimenting her on what a good Christian she is and talking about spreading God's word or something like that. My mom's not easily offended, but she was offended enough by the tone of the solicitations that she cut them off entirely.

It's always been a Christian organization, and I'm fairly certain she always knew that, but I think that the idea of them coopting her motivations for Christianity just took it way over the top for her.

I still think they do good work, of course, and they do make a point to mention that they don't discriminate in who they help.

All the same--if I were in a position to donate either my nonexistent money or my own broke-down ass--I would probably think twice about supporting them at this point.

[viscousmemories]

All the same--if I were in a position to donate either my nonexistent money or my own broke-down ass--I would probably think twice about supporting them at this point.
See? Now that's what I'm talkin' about! One more organization I can scratch off my guilt list next time I'm gorging on Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies. :D

Seriously, though. I like AM's suggestion about local charities. I seriously considered going to work the phones at a PBS telethon last week, but, well, you know, I just moved here and everything, don't really know anyone, had to wash my hair, gas costs money, my fingernails needed clipping and I have been very seriously considering starting to look for a job real soon. So, of course I just wasn't able to do it.

[AspenMama]

Seriously, though. I like AM's suggestion about local charities. I seriously considered going to work the phones at a PBS telethon last week, but, well, you know, I just moved here and everything, don't really know anyone, had to wash my hair, gas costs money, my fingernails needed clipping and I have been very seriously considering starting to look for a job real soon. So, of course I just wasn't able to do it.

You could always volunteer to remove some pigeons from a needy single mom's house in the 'burbs of Denver. I've also got a light bulb needing to be changed. :P In fact, you all should come by and help me get my house together -- habitat for AspenMama.

Actually, volunteering is a great way to network for jobs! You could offer your computer expertise to a non-profit organization-- most of us don't have a clue in that area! My younger brother actually got into his career by volunteering for a regular old for- profit corporation-- his is a unique field and difficult to crack-- he's an inventor with a degree in art-- sculpture mainly-- and now is working in product design with several patents to his name. He did a stint at a coffee house I think while volunteering and the corporation where he volunteered his time couldn't help but offer him a real job after a bit when they saw how cool and smart he was-- (my little bro is the best). :D

[viscousmemories]

You could always volunteer to remove some pigeons from a needy single mom's house in the 'burbs of Denver. I've also got a light bulb needing to be changed. :P In fact, you all should come by and help me get my house together -- habitat for AspenMama.
:biglaugh: Well I would, but it's such a looooong drive.

Actually, volunteering is a great way to network for jobs! You could offer your computer expertise to a non-profit organization-- most of us don't have a clue in that area!
Hey that's a really good point. I thought of that when I was trying to think of reasons to volunteer, but I forgot it when pondering the reasons not to. ;)

My younger brother actually got into his career by volunteering for a regular old for- profit corporation-- his is a unique field and difficult to crack-- he's an inventor with a degree in art-- sculpture mainly-- and now is working in product design with several patents to his name. He did a stint at a coffee house I think while volunteering and the corporation where he volunteered his time couldn't help but offer him a real job after a bit when they saw how cool and smart he was-- (my little bro is the best). :D
Wow, cool. Yeah I'll definitely give more thought to that and start looking around for opportunities. Heck it'd be a good way to meet people too. I don't know a living soul in this area outside of my roomate.

[AspenMama]

:biglaugh: Well I would, but it's such a looooong drive.

But, I serve excellent wine. And I'm cute. :cool:

[viscousmemories]

But, I serve excellent wine. And I'm cute. :cool:
See? There's our problems. I don't drink and I prefer ugly women.

[AspenMama]

See? There's our problems. I don't drink and I prefer ugly women.

I could offer you diet coke.

And well, we all define beauty differently-- I could be ugly to some eyes. :D

[godfry n. glad]

And well, we all define beauty differently-- I could be ugly to some eyes. :D

Naaaaaah....not possible. :wink:

godfry

[maddog]

I've been very frustrated in dealing with my local Habitat chapters; they solicit for money, they will mail you something if they want money, they send you lists of stuff to donate -- materials and money, but they won't write, won't call, and won't notify you of a meeting for actual construction volunteering. I've even put on my donation check/accompanying letter, that I give them this money ONLY IF they give me notice of the next volunteer builders' meeting, but they cash the check and you only read about the next project in the newspaper after it's finished. That, coupled with the Christian foundation of it all, has really soured me on Habitat, Jimmy Carter notwithstanding. Just my 2 cents.

#20

[wei yau]

In a couple of weeks, I'll be going to Mexico to take part in the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004 (http://www.habitat.org/jcwp/2004/default.html) in Puebla, Mexico. I'll be going as part of a contingent of coworkers. My office is sponsoring all employes (and their families) in this project for Habitat for Humanity. The sponsorship includes the registration fee, as well as travel.

I'm looking forward to this trip, as I feel it is for a good cause. Though I am slightly uncomfortable with the Christian overtones in the organization, I have to admit that I believe they do good work. Although I am an atheist, I've never really had a problem with religion. It's simply not important enough to me to make that much a difference in my personal life. This does not mean that I don't loathe the power of religion in the wider world. But, in my own little corner, religion is simply not a factor.

To date, Christianity has not been an issue in our dealings with Habitat for Humanity. We've been informed that attendances at prayer sessions is entirely voluntary.

Both my wife and I will be going, it'll be the first time we're away from our daughter for an extended period of time. Once I return, I'll be sure to post for a full report for anyone who is interested.

[viscousmemories]

That looks like a really cool project, eldar. If you're up to it I think your report on the event would make a great entry in the articles section here. But even if you decide just to post here I look forward to reading about it.

[livius drusus]

I very much second the article/post idea. I bet it'll be enormously satisfying to see such a large scale project come together. I also like that they've set aside a day for sightseeing amidst all the hard work you're going to be doing.

I think you're going to have a great time and on a personal note, it might even be just what the doctor ordered for you and your wife to live deliberately in a way you haven't been able to since your daughter was born.

[wei yau]

I'd like to give submitting an article about this adventure a shot, though no promises as to whether or not I'll make it interesting or well-written.

I'm a little nervous about being away from my little one for so long a time, but I guess I'll get used to it. A bit nervous about being one-on-one with the wife due to other issues, but I'll work on it.

Another neat aspect is how many of our customers (current and potential) will be joining us on this endeavor. Sure, it's a way of networking, but there's nothing wrong with doing well, while doing good.

[Ronin]

Eldar, I'm commited to several clean-up projects as a result of Hurricane Ivan this year...but, can you drop me an update via email on any projects you come across for next year?

secularhuman@hotmail.com

Thanks.

PS I'm having problems getting on the site subscription link for some reason.

[wei yau]

Ronin,

As this is my first experience with Habitat, I won't be able to provide too much information just yet. However, I do intend to post a full report of the experience after I've returned. I'll be sure to speak with the Habitat people to see how best we can be kept up to date on their activities. I just found out that there is a Habitat project not too far from where I live. I am hopeful that this will be a sufficiently rewarding experience as to inspire me to continue good work even after the high-profile Jimmy Carter Work Project.

[Ronin]

Very good, thanks, Eldar.

Somehow I was able to finally get through to their subscription as well.

Keep us posted and get some photos if you are able.

Stay safe.

[noblesavage]

When I was in Law School I did a lot of work with Habitat for Humanity. I worked for a legal clinic that was sponsored and funded by St. Louis University. Our clinic handled all their legal and real-estate issues. Over a period of 2 years I became good friends with, Kim, the executive director of the St. Louis branch. I actually helped rewrite their founding documents. The issue of "God" came up and I did my best to write it as inclusive as possible. I also helped out with several "blitz builds" where I jumped in and got my hands dirty. From my experience, I can only say it's a great organization!

[viscousmemories]

Cool stuff, ns. :yup:

I'm still hoping eldar will post about his recent Habitat adventure.