I am a huge advocate for volunteering and have put in a lot of hours doing so. I have a signed letter thanking me for my volunteer service by former President Obama. My dogs are Therapy Dogs and we have spent many hours in private homes, senior centers, and hospitals cheering up many elderly, homebound people, hospitalized patients, and staff members. I never had the opportunity to volunteer building a house with Habitat for Humanity®, until now! I enjoyed it so much I went a couple of times!
Hawkins introduced me to Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity®. Hawkins is assisting a wonderful, deserving family right here in Star, Idaho. Founded in 1990, Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity® has been helping families construct and finance homes of their own. They build “simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with volunteers, donors, and sponsors.” They have built 80 homes right here in the Treasure Valley. One might ask, how would I qualify for a house? Their process is quite extensive. There is no discrimination and no preference to refugees or minority groups. No favoritism here! You start with an application process. Depending on current housing availability, income with the ability to pay for a home, and you must be willing to put in 500 hours of what they call “sweat equity” within 6-9 months’ time period. I can tell you from firsthand experience in volunteering 600 hours in a year, to complete 500 hours in 6-9 months is a tremendous time commitment.
This was such a rewarding experience from one of camaraderie with my fellow co-workers who volunteered on the days that I did, to the sense of community I felt with all of us there for one purpose, and that was to help a deserving family build a home of their own to feel safe in and finally get their American Dream. If you are looking for an enjoyable event to get involved with, give Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity® a try!
