Denver Metro Habitat
It was a hot and windy Saturday in May when NexGen employees and family members came together to flex their volunteer muscles for Habitat for Humanity. The group donned hard hats, work gloves, work belts, and goggles to embark on an experience they will never forget. The group started with an orientation about the organization and safety, but not before they first got “pumped up” with a bit of caffeine and sugar.
Did you know...
Habitat for Humanity International was not started by Jimmy Carter? It was actually founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. Since then, the organization has built more than 200,000 houses around the world through volunteer labor, donations, and the help of the homeowner (and partner) families.
After completing the safety program, the team was off to “build a house.” Andy, the team’s Habitat Team Leader, instructed them about their tasks, which tools they would be using, and general safety precautions. The team split into two groups:
• One group worked on the outside of the house nailing on blue board insulation.
• The other group worked on framing/building the inner walls of the house.
NexGen Executive Vice President, Chris Elliott, his son Josh, and Karen Andrew worked outside of one half of the house. Cherie Garcia, her daughter Chantal, Ganesh Niraula, and the homeowner worked outside of the other half of the house. The remaining volunteer team, NexGen Program Manager, Barbara Patton, her son Chris and his friend Adam, plus Andy Grady worked inside framing the walls for each room.
Did you know...
Habitat houses are sold to families, not for profit, and are financed with affordable loans. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” into building their own Habitat house and houses for others.
During lunch, Anthony Van Dyck and his family arrived onsite to give a very generous donation to the homeowner. Since it was an extremely blustery day, the team took a few brief breaks to chase airborne sheets of blue board.
When the framing and insulation were almost complete, it was time for cleanup. Every nail, hammer, board and all work gear had to be put away—in its proper place! The team’s work was done around 4:30 p.m.
While the team’s volunteer opportunity was with the Denver Metro Habitat (www.habitatmetrodenver.org), there are numerous volunteer opportunities in your area, across the nation, and around the world. Consider giving back to your community when you have the opportunity to do so.