Schuchard 1

Timothy Schuchard
English 1A—Ayers
Aug. 24, 2010
12:30-2:00
Service Organization

Buildin’ Homes

It was a few years ago when I heard on a local radio station that a some band was

teaming up with a charity group called Habitat for Humanity to help build a house for some

needy people. I had heard of the group before but didn’t where it was they operated; it turns they

operate right here.

With an office right here in Stockton, Habitat for Humanity is an international group that

aims to “eliminate poverty housing and homelessness.” To eliminate these problems they build

homes for families in low income situations. The homes are not free, but come at a great

monetary discount. The homeowner must still make a down payment and pay a mortgage, but

the intent is to make this affordable for families with little income. The families must also invest

a fair amount of what Habitat for Humanity calls “sweat equity.” This means they must

physically help build the house.

Houses are remodeled or even built from the ground up with the help of volunteer labor

and donations of money and materials. I corresponded with board member John Shores and he

told me that they plan on making full time positions but most positions are held by volunteers.

The organization is Christian, but the goal is to help people; not push religion. They gladly

welcome volunteers from all races and religions for committee work, office work, and

construction. Most positions do not require experience, and one can get an application to

volunteer on their website: http://www.sjchabitat.org/volunteer.htm.

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There is also a public store where recycled and donated materials and equipment can be

purchased. The “ReStore” operating hours are from 10am-5pm, Monday through Saturday at

1038 West Fremont Street. This is also the main location for the Stockton affiliates operations,

so volunteer and donation information can be acquired there. Helping people build a house

sounds pretty interesting to me. Who knows, maybe the smell of my pale skin baking in the hot

sun will be floating through the Stockton air this year.