Volunteers help build home for Habitat

Workers and volunteers from Alberici Constructors, Alliant Energy, and Stanley Consultants contributed an entire day on Sept. 19 to helping building a new house at 1022 Erie Ave. for Habitat for Humanity Lakeside and future homeowner Chris Cummings.

“This is really cool how companies like this one get involved” said Cummings. Like other Habitat homeowners, Cummbins is given an interest-free loan from the non-profit organization and then makes payments. These funds then in turn go on to fund the construction of more homes. The residents also invest hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” into the building of their home alongside HFHL volunteers.

Many of the volunteer builders are older, yet very skilled laborers and they need strong young bodies to help them out.

“People should understand, to volunteer for Habitat you don’t need to be a carpenter,” HFHL staff member Dawn Eggers says. “There’s plenty of work to do: carry, lift, hold in place, cut. We’ve got some skilled carpenters to lead the way.”

In addition other volunteer opportunitiesexist in Habitat’s ReStore and various committees. Also, funding the organization has been a challenge.

“We just cannot thank our supporters enough as we continue to grow,” Eggers said.

To apply to receive a Habitat-built home or for more information, call (920) 458-3399 ext. 305 or go online to www.habitatlakeside.com.