Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. It is a non-profit ecumenical Christian housing ministry that has built over 400,000 houses to help over 2 million people across the world. “We seek to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make a decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.” People of all backgrounds, races, and religions are welcomed to build houses together for families in need.
Families that are in need of a safe shelter apply at local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. They are chosen based on need and their will to become a part of this program; neither religion nor race is involved in determining who gets a house.
Habitat for Humanity gets their support through volunteer labor, money donations, and material donations. Although they rebuild and improve houses, they do not just give them away. The residents must make a down payment as well as monthly mortgages and also come to work on their house alongside the habitat volunteers. The monthly payments are used to fund more Habitat for Humanity projects.
Habitat for Humanity is currently working on multiple houses in the Grand Rapids area. The houses are worked on by volunteers, home owners, and the carpenter’s club. The carpenter’s club is for teens that come to volunteer and make a weekly commitment. The more they volunteer the more perks they get such as hats, shirts, and even free lunches with the staff.
Supervisor Jason Parsons, 49, has worked at Habitat for Humanity for a year and a half and spent one year volunteering before he was hired. He started at Habitat when he was unemployed and his church was looking for volunteers. “I just couldn’t leave,” Parsons says.
Mike Bigtlow, 52, has been volunteering for 3 years. He went into retirement early and wanted to spend time being productive. “I love the fact that I can help people that appreciate the opportunity that Habitat gives them.”
Daniel Smigiel, 54, works on putting baseboards around the inside of the house. “I like to help a family get a home with them working with us so they can learn how to take care of their home.” Smigiel loves that he can work inside as well as outside, “It’s a little bit of everything.”
A house that Habitat for Humanity is funding is one of the newest in the eco-friendly line. The ceilings are taller with higher slants for more energy from the sun. A few other energy efficient details are in the works.
Chuck Alrt, 68, started volunteering after his retirement. He has been helping for over 4 years and is working on an energy efficient house, putting up a rail for the upstairs walkway.
Joe Reynolds, 65, has been volunteering for 2 ½ years. After he retired, he needed something to keep him busy. “I wanted something to do besides watch The View and Oprah.” Reynolds said laughing. His wife suggested to him that he volunteer at Habitat for Humanity.
Mike Bigtlow, 52, and Chuck Alrt, 68, work together to put up railing in the upstairs of a new house. With all men working on this house, they all have a good time bonding with one another over music and conversation.
Katherine Sprague, 18, is a student at Cornerstone University that spent last summer volunteering at Habitat for Humanity with her youth group. “It was really fun working with my friends and getting to know them better.” There were about 20 people that helped out with landscaping and roofing from the group.
Rhonda Bostelaar, 43, is the first women supervisor to ever be employed at Habitat for Humanity. Bostelaar went to church with a volunteer and tagged along for a day. She had 9 years of painting and landscaping experience prior to her employment.
Olive Rudayishimiye, 19, spends her first day volunteering at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. The ReStore is a store where anyone can come to purchase materials to do repairs on their house. The store has things including paint, wood, and house decorations. This is another way that Habitat for Humanity gives back.
Photos By: Alyssa Corwin
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