A HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT

Members of Holy Cross had the opportunity to participate in building a Habitat for Humanity home by joining a group called Apostles Build. This is a group of churches in our area that are working with the Western Wayne County division of Habitat for Humanity. Their goal was to spread the cost over about 12 congregations and several fund raising events.

The build sites are next to the house in Inkster that we worked on last year. The plan was to excavate two basements, pour the foundations and construct the decking by fall.

It is time to organize our activities and determine our level of participation if people are interested in working on another project. Habitat build requires not only people who can hammer a nail but also those who can organize and support the building process. If you are interested in joining this very worthwhile project, please contact Holy Cross

OUR FIRST
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT

On Saturday, October 15, 2005 from 8-4 p.m., around a dozen people from Holy Cross worked on a Habitat for Humanity home in Inkster, Michigan. This is a Habitat House funded by Thrivent, which will pay 60% of the cost of the house. Thrivent requires that 50% of the site work be provided by Lutherans and of that, 50% must be provided by Thrivent members. We worked on the roof, finishing up what the group before us was unable to do because of time constraints.

We joined in the project of this specific home with other Lutheran churches from Livonia, Michigan.

We put tape around the windows to prevent water seepage into the house. We did a lot of nailing inside the house adding strips to the top of the walls to help secure the drywall that would be added to the walls. We made sure that the windows were plumb, which was quite a task. In other words what we did was very necessary to the construction of the house, but won't be seen in the future.

The homeowner, Jennifer, was there to work with three of her five children. Her husband was killed 5 years ago when her twin boys were very little. She has a close relationship with her parents and grandpa is a steady influence on the children. She is quite a lady. Her oldest son had cancer many years ago and is fine now. She and the children were living in a single wide trailer, so this 4 bedroom home will be a castle to the family. We had a lot of fun working. It is wonderful to make a difference helping others. Our thanks go to Holy Cross members who donated their time.

We also came back for the day when the home was dedicated and Jennifer got the keys. It was a joyous occasion for the family and all that helped with the build. It brought tears to our eyes and made it all worth while. We look forward to helping out on another Habitat project, and hope that you will lend your support and your time, helping others.