A Very Special Volunteer - Read About JR Williams in his Hometown Newspaper

THE LIFE A HOUSE BUILT

JR Williams' escape from poverty started 19 years ago in a Habitat home
The life a house built JR Williams' escape from poverty started 19 years ago in a Habitat home
By Elizabeth Leland

JR Williams looked like just another volunteer taking time from his job at a brokerage firm to help build a Habitat for Humanity house.

He joined the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles six weeks ago for many of the same humanitarian reasons as other volunteers, but Williams had one more reason: He once lived in a Habitat house.

READ THE WHOLE STORY

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO BE A PART OF HABITAT'S 2007 JIMMY CARTER WORK PROJECT

That's right, the crowds, the news cameras and former president Jimmy Carter may be gone, but there is still a great deal of work to complete so that our 30 Habitat partner families can move into their new homes.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles need skilled workers and craftsmen to help us with plumbing, electrical and more. Please volunteer now by calling our office at 310-323-4663 or emailing volunteers@habitatla.org.

We also need non-trained volunteers too! There is much to do by way of painting, landscaping and more. You've never had so much fun swinging a hammer!

All help is welcome.

What can you expect when you volunteer? Smiles. Lots and lots of smiles. You'll arrive and get a safety briefing, meet your crew leaders and be assigned to a home/job. We promise you'll leave with a feeling you can't shake, it's called Habititis and it's contageous.

Please call or email us now to volunteer. For more info, please visit our website.

Veteran JCWP builder Tom, shares his wisdom with newbies!

Tom Dickinson was the 6A house leader at the San Pedro site whose advice to people wanting to get involved with JCWP is: "just come, get involved. You don’t need the know-how!" Tom is a Habitat For Humanity veteran who started volunteering for the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 1992 in DC; this years project was his sixteenth. Tom currently lives in Springfield, Virginia and volunteers with the Habitat affiliate there.
Tom’s favorite part of each Jimmy Carter Work Project is taking a quiet moment on a roof when all of the work is completed to survey the area. He said that being a small part of the end result and seeing a big sea of houses and knowing that he is helping towards changing people’s lives is what makes the biggest impact on him.

Today a Publicist, Tomorrow a Builder!

This was my first Jimmy Carter Work Project, and I can hardly believe it’s already over. What a week!

Although my work at JCWP was focused on external outreach about the project to media and the community, being immersed in the positive nature and attitudes of the nearly 2,200 volunteers was an experience I will never forget. And, I can’t wait to go pick up a hammer and a paint brush at a Habitat build in the future.

Ever the publicist, I cannot help but mention some of the highlights from the week on the media side:
o CNN “American Morning”
o Reuters wire story
o NPR story (people are still talking about this one!)
o Los Angeles Times story with photographs
o Broadcast coverage by every local station in Los Angeles throughout the week, sometimes multiple stories
o Stories in communities newspapers from the Daily Breeze to the Wave
o AP wire pick-up of eight photos
o Live remote newscasts by KCAL-TV and KCBS-TV in Los Angeles
o An unbelievably successful satellite media tour
o And, anticipated coverage by many more newspapers

Thank you to all the families, volunteers and Habitat for Humanity employees for putting together an amazing event that made a very positive impact on the community in Los Angeles and made for a fabulous way to highlight the organization.

Pink Tool Belts

A lot of you expressed interest in purchasing those cute pink Tuff Chix Tool Belts by Paige Hemmis that many of the gals were sporting during the JCWP, so here's a link to purchase:

BUY NOW

Hope you put it to good use!

Bill Ponko puts his skills into action at the JCWP

Bill Ponko got his start with HFH in 1991 on a build in Miami. Through the years he has been to multiple Jimmy Carter Work Projects, and also works with his local affiliate in South Bend Indiana. Bill is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame and participating in build sites gives him the opportunity to combine all of the things he loves to do. He gets to combine his hobby with his profession and “really accomplish something”

Bill and his friend Leroy build together often, but Bill also likes to involve his own family. Both of his children are architects and he made a point of getting them involved with Habitat for Humanity as soon as they were old enough. For Bill all of his Habitat experiences are unique and amazing. This year he was lucky enough to be on the house that President Carter and Rosalynn worked on in San Pedro. His favorite part? “There are no pretences, no one is dressed-up, nobody is pretending. I feel so fortunate to be involved with this house.”

Tom Gerdy: A Strong Softy

If you walked onto the San Pedro JCWP site any time last week you either heard Tom Gerdy rallying his house team or you saw his huge smile. Check out his blog today at Huffington Post!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-gerdy/the-magical-sound-of-gunf_b_71338.html

Karen Evan's doesn't TRY she DOES

Karen Evans was the paint crew leader on the All-Womens house this year, and her experiences with Habitat for Humanity have changed her life. She truly believes that this house has created an opportunity for women to extend themselves, she loves watching her fellow team thrive in this challenge as well as seeing the confidence they are all gaining from being involved with the Torres house.

Karen has now been to 3 JCWP’s. “You give, and you get back ten-fold” she said of the blitz-build events. Like so many people, Karen has developed life-long friendships while working at the JCWP. “My first roommate in Georgia in 2003 has now been my roommate at every build I have done since then. She’s from Canada and I’m from San Diego, but we are very good friends now.” Karen is eager to get others to join the Habitat for Humanity family. She tries to get people interested. “I wear my HFH pins and I try to get people to ask me questions about it. Everybody says, ‘Oh I wish I could do this’[when thinking of volunteering], and I tell them that you can! You either do or you don’t. The people who turn out year in and year out they are the do’ers”

Paige Hemmis Shares Her Personal Experience from JCWP 2007

What an amazing experience! This year I was fortunate enough to be the emcee of opening ceremonies for Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy Carter Work Project 2007. What an honor and privilege to be on stage with such talented people! I would love to share with you my experience, and perhaps it is best told with the company that I kept on stage on that beautiful Sunday night.

First of all, I met our first guest of the evening, Grammy Award-winning artist and Habitat volunteer, Ricky Martin. I didn’t know much about this man, except for the fact that I new he could compose, sing, dance and perform. What I didn’t realize was that he was so passionate about his charities, and is such a good public speaker! I was blown away by the heart-felt sentiment he had for Habitat and this program. He talked about how giving was a form of love – and it really is.

Second, I met Mr. Steve Sidwell, and the Hollywood Film Chorale Special Effects Choir. Steve and his crew performed for the Academy Awards this past year, and they performed for all of us that night. This choir astounded me! They took footage of building and put their special effect sounds to it. What amazed me is how real it sounded! I was surrounded by true talent up there on stage, and they even made me participate towards the end. I now am an official “beat-boxer”, if that is such a term.

Each person who took the stage was just as amazing as the next! Erin Rank, the head of the Greater Los Angeles Affiliate, whom I’ve worked with several times in the past, amazes me every time I hear her speak. Here is a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others, and always finds time to go out of her way and be kind to everyone. She made sure that everyone who helped was properly thanked…but I believe that we should all be thanking her for all the incredible work she has done, and continues to do every single day.

Mr. Kevin Kessinger from Citi came to the stage to talk about the involvement of one of Habitat’s biggest sponsors. It is so touching to see that large companies like Citi have hearts as big as this! And he represented so many great men and women that have come together to help this great event.

Then I had the opportunity to introduce the President and CEO of Habitat International, Mr. Jonathan Reckford. He could possibly be the best representation of giving! What a kind a gentle man, with a tremendous responsibility. As I meet more and more people who are behind this great charity, it makes me realize that I am surrounded by truly great individuals who are using their God-given talents to help others.

And talk about being surrounded by great individuals! The people who make this city of Los Angeles what it is today are so inspiring and so incredible. First, there is the true “tuff chix”, Councillwoman Janice Hahn. She is one of my heroes – a true example of a strong woman who is so caring, so kind, and so capable of taking care of all of us! She was out working at the job site in her pink toolbelt, gloves and hard hat! She is so awesome. Then, there is the great man, Mayor Villairagosa. You can tell by his spirit and his touching words that he loves this great town, and will do everything he can to help its people.

The final honor of the night? Perhaps one of the great honors of my lifetime – being hugged by the great man, former US President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, President Jimmy Carter, right there on stage! He has done so much in his lifetime. He is truly a man that we can all look up to and hope to emulate. I believe he is the best humanitarian of our time. And his wife Rosalynn right there beside him that night, as she has been for so many years. An honest example of true love, dedication, and devotion – plus she is such a great strong women in her own right!

For me, this night was a dream come true. To call it an “honor” does not do it justice! I was filled with honor and love, humbly sharing the stage with so many great people. I believe it was a blessing, and this blessing will leave a wonderful memory for the rest of my life.

More JCWP Headlines

As seen in Palos Verdes Peninsula News 11/5/07:

‘There goes the neighborhood’

Monday, November 5, 2007 1:08 PM PST

The headline once meant the imminent decline of a once desirable place to live. It takes on a positive spin when Habitat for Humanity blows into town and 36 folks from the Hill help. turn out to help.

By Frank Brown, Peninsula News

Habitat for Humanity, led by Nobel Peace Prize-winner and former President Jimmy Carter, stormed into San Pedro this week with hundreds of volunteers bent on making life better for some families who live on the margins of society. A number of Peninsulans worked side by side with the hundreds of volunteers who began each day at 7 a.m. and worked late into the afternoon for a week.

Help from Hill

Peninsulan Jim Scrimger said that Habitat’s preliminary numbers noted that three Peninsula cities provided 36 volunteers: Rancho Palos, 23; Palos Verdes Estates, 9; Rolling Hills Estates, 4 and Rolling Hills, 1.

Nearly one in five of Los Angeles County’s 10 million residents live in poverty. The median cost of a home today far exceeds the majority of its population’s reach.

Income needed

A week ago, the Los Angeles Times headlined the fact that the average family in this metropolis must have an income of $64,000 annually to live in this part of Southern California.

Overseas help

Among the volunteers working beside Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were men and women from as far away as Seoul, Korea, and as near as the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Carters spent their days working in a home at the end of the development labeled simply as the Vicenio family.

The Vicenio home is one of 30 Habitat homes being built on two sites in Los Angeles and part of 100 homes abuilding or being rehabilitated by Habitat before the end of the year.

J.H. Moon from Seoul, one of many from Citi Corp, is the house leader on unit 5-B, which was nothing but a bare spot on the ground last week. His company paid round-trip fares for him, team member Dave Kaltenrieder from St. Louis, and Cynthia Ryan from Madison, Wisc., to work with the other Habitat volunteers. When asked what happens with his daytime job while he’s away, Kaltenrieder said, “I take my job with me,” fishing a Blackberry out of his pocket.

Moon said he’s not too bothered by his office because, “While I’m working here, they’re asleep in Seoul.” With an MBA in business from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Moon probably can manage both time zones, his volunteer time away and his job back home.

Hill people help

Not all the workers are from out of town or out of the country. Stacey Allocco of Rolling Hills had a nanny take care of her 4-month old daughter so she herself could pitch in. Allocco was assigned to “A Brush With Kindness” project for which workers help restore the neglected exteriors of homes in the immediate area to their original state.

Bill Pomerantz of Rolling Hills Estates, no stranger to Habitat, compared the L.A. County restrictions with those of other states.

“Building codes here are very strict,” he said. “The plans they follow here are highly detailed and voluminous. When I was in South Dakota, we were handed a sketch of what we were supposed to build. Nevertheless, we finished the job and when I said we were ready for inspection, I was told, ‘We don’t do any inspections.’”

Overkill pays

Pomerantz said that one of his favorite Habitat stories happened in Florida. “After a hurricane knocked down Homewood many of the houses left standing were Habitat homes.” Pomerantz explained that while an ordinary carpenter will hammer in a single nail, “Habitat’s will knock in eight.”

Churches help too

Dr. Clayton Cobb of St. Peter’s by the Sea cited the work of his parish and others in raising $160,000 for the Habitat project.

“Jean McDonald,” he said, “has both passion and compassion. She and others from St. Peter’s, St. Luke’s and the South Bay raised the money for what we call not the Presbyterian but ‘the Sanchez’ home.”



Photo: Painting the Future Jean McDonald, right, touches up some of the exterior paint on the home of Mercedes Sanchez, who is performing some of the 500 sweat equity hours required of each occupant 16 years of age and older. McDonald also put the touch on parishioners at St. Peter’s by the Sea parish, St. Luke’s and other South Bay parishes and led a fund-raising effort that raised more than $160,000.

Hey Bill!

If you did not meet Vermont Village house leader 'Hey Bill' this past week then you totally missed out!

Bill has been volunteering with Habitat since 1984 and was at the very first JCWP in New York in 1984. He drove from DC to cut boilers in the basement and he and his friend Jim became known as the "Boiler Boys." The only JCWPs Bill ever missed was The Phillipines & India.

It's going really well! I think this is the most media attention we've ever had and going from 42 people that first year to volunteers worldwide is just mind-boggling!"

Bill adds that the plus side to this whole thing is that now he has 25 families!

"At Christmas I look up at the sky and thank God for the opportunity to put a roof over their heads."

"Hey Bill" you're awesome!

(He spoke quickly with us and went back to work!)

JCWP A Reunion with Old Friends

Susie Graber of Phoenix, AZ is proudly wearing her '95 JCWP T-shirt today as she guards the tool pods here at the Vermont Village build site. Susie and her husband have been attending JCWPs since 1988 and have traveled to the Phillipines, Nova Scotia, and Budapest.

Susie proudly mentions that her husband has been the house leader with Jimmy Carter on four different JCWPs. Lasting friendships come again during our conversation and Susie tells us about a couple from New Jersey whom they met years ago on a JCWP and whom they now travel with each year, sometimes in their RV. She has made so many friends over the years that she says the JCWP always feels like a reunion.

"It's is a very rewarding experience to help others. The lord has blessed us so much and we figure we can give back a week or two each year. It's worth it."

If you are not already friends with Susis Graber, you can meet her next May in the Gulf for the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008!

Birthday Present for these two ladies was working at JCWP

Through wind & rain, sleet or snow, blazing heat or bitter cold, Habitat will be there. Ok, so this week there wasn’t much rain, sleet, snow and the cold was only bitter during closing ceremonies, but Habitat was still here building away and so were we. Amber and I have been bff's since college and since our birthdays are only a week a part, we have celebrated them together every year since graduation no matter where we are living.

Here’s a little info on who we are, because we know you care.

Terri Ellen Waddell
# of Habitat Builds: Stopped Counting
Current Occupation: Is anyone hiring???? I used to work for Habitat Int’l
Favorite Color: Dirt on skin
Hard Hat Size: 7 ¼
Where she resides: Currently, anywhere she can find a friend with an open couch.
Favorite build site activity: drywall
Age: 26 & 364 days

Amber Leigh Skorczewski
# of Habitat: 3
Current Occupation: Marketing for Target Corporation
Favorite Color: Lip gloss with SPF
Hard Hat Size: 6 7/8
Where she sleeps: St Paul Minnesota. Amber just bought her first Home!!!!
Favorite Build site activity: Siding
Age: 26 & 7 days


When we heard that JCWP 2007 would fall during the week between our birthdays it seemed to be the only option for this year’s trip. We mean, what better way to celebrate another year of life than with former President Jimmy Carter, his wife Rosalynn and about two thousand strangers building houses in LA? If you and your bff had birthdays only a week a part from one another wouldn’t you want to do the same thing?
Off to our computers we went to get ourselves registered. Guess what… we were selected, so we jumped on a plane and flew out to LA to join the party.
Upon arriving we were assigned to “Media”. At first we felt a little bummed that we wouldn’t have a chance to wield a hammer or cut some siding, but it turns out that our assignment would give us a chance to not only check out both sights, but also do a million other super cool things. Check out some of our highlights below:

•Practicing our stern face. Which if you meet Amber, you know is for her.

•Sharing a laugh with former Mayor James Hahn while standing in line for opening ceremonies. If only we had known who he was while we were chatting with him.

•Getting secret service to crack a couple of smiles. We thought the stern face was one of the job requirements.

•Chilling with D.B. “ay papi, we luv u”

•Learning dance moves from 4 year old Kelis, She will soon be living in one of the homes that you all have been working so hard to construct.

•And many more that we are happy to tell you about next year in the Gulf.

We would like to give shout outs to the following who helped make our week even more memorable:

Emily & Sara and the rest of the Golin Haris Girls and guy, Little B, the bomb diggidy PR gal

Nancy & Carolyne (Pres. Carter’s right hand ladies)

All the Secret Service Men who got the memo on matching polos. #1 & #2 U guys ROCK

M&M of the Philly Soul- till we meet again

Dustin the bouncer at the door, we cant believe you made a walk up the hill so many times
Billy AKA Cookie Monster
Tom, if you ever need someone to touch your toes Amber is your girl
And of course all of the other volunteers, staff, and everyone else who helped make this event happen

As we drove to the sight this morning Amber, with her cheesey Hallmark emotional self turned to me and said that she had had a great birthday week. She said “ “This is the kind of present I really like--- they’re like memories, you can’t put a bow on that”

Thank you all and super special thank you to the homeowners for allowing us the chance to share this amazing time with you all. Blessings

See you all in the Gulf-
Terri and Amber

Jennika picks up her first HFH paint brush

Jennika volunteered during the last day of the JCWP, but she believes that it was an experience that she will never forget. It introduced her into the world of volunteering, and she got to understand why so many people love to volunteer! People love the feeling they get when they help others, and Jennika was no exception.

"I didn't really understand the full intensity of "habititus" before i volunteered for the JCWP. Its an indescribable feeling; a high that one gets from helping others. I wasn't sure that i was going to have a chance to volunteer because i was working as an intern for Starfish PR (who does PR for Habitat). But, when i found myself with some time, i decided to jump in and help because I didn't want to leave the site that day without at least picking up a paint brush. I worked up on the roof (of San Pedro house 6A), painting the front exterior siding; around me were big strong men. I was surprised how nice everyone was; they were all interested in getting to know me. Even though i only put in about 3 hours of volunteer time, that was long enough to catch "habititus." I will never forget my experience at JCWP 2007, and i look forward to volunteering in future projects!"

Today's JCWP Media Highlights

Reuters:
Push to build "green" homes picks up steam
Thu Nov 1, 2007 7:11pm GMT
By Karen Jacobs

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Soaring energy costs and increased concern about the environment are spurring builders to step up building homes that use less energy and water.

More than 30 affordable homes being built this week during a Habitat for Humanity project in Los Angeles include materials designed to reduce energy costs and save the new homeowners money.

"Green building certainly is becoming more mainstream within the affordable housing community," said Ted Bardacke, senior program associate with Global Green USA, an environmental group that works with housing developers.

Read the entire story:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKN0147473220071101


Pasadena Weekly:
Helping Humanity
By Carl Kozlowski

Former President Jimmy Carter has long focused his considerable energies on alleviating poverty and promoting electoral justice around the globe in addition to building homes for the poor through Habitat for Humanity.
Carter is currently leading thousands of volunteers in a massive effort to build 30 affordable houses in south Los Angeles and San Pedro.
The Pasadena-based San Gabriel Valley chapter of Habitat for Humanity has donated $5,000 to help make that goal a reality.
“In conjunction with this special week in Los Angeles with the Jimmy Carter Work Project, we’re launching our construction of 11 homes on Kenwood Street in Glendale and we’re very excited to [be part of] these projects,” said Sonja Yates, San Gabriel Valley Habitat’s executive director.
“Jimmy Carter has been a leader physically on projects, but he’s also a symbolic leader in drawing attention to the 2,250 affiliates around the world that are making a dent in the need for affordable housing,” Yates said.

http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/article.php?id=5299&IssueNum=96


The Acorn:
Habitat for Humanity supports work project


Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is an official affiliate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity International's 24th annual Jimmy Carter Work Project, which includes a $5,000 commitment to the project. In addition, several of the local affiliates' volunteers will donate their time to the project next week.

Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy Carter Work Project is an annual event in which the former U.S. president and his wife, Rosalynn, join Habitat volunteers for one week to build affordable homes in partnership with people in need of housing.

This year's project is taking place from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 in South Los Angeles and San Pedro, where volunteers will gather to build 30 new homes and work on the rehabilitation of houses near both sites.

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County has rehabilitated hundreds of homes and built 44 new homes since its inception in 1983.

For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

http://www.theacorn.com/news/2007/1101/Community/043.html

Safety First

Pat Shea is on our Safety Crew here at Vermont Village and he says this week we've earned a good B+. Not bad.

"Any time you have as many people walk off the job site as you had walk on, it's a good day!"

So far, he says there have just been a few scratches and abrasions to report and everyone is in good spirits.

"Everyone here is so eager to do a good job and they are very concerned about safety. The Block Captains are working very hard to keep our volunteers safe."

Pat has been working with Habitat for 6 months and he's been on site all week for JCWP. He says he's definitely be back!

"One of the things that impresses me most is talking to people who've traveled from all over the country like Dallas and Vermont and the poeple from other countries as well. I feel like the new kid on the block because so many people have been at this for years and years."

Not Just a Pretty Face

Karl Champley is familiar face to anyone who watches DIY Network, but to all of us he's an enthusiastic volunteer who's changing the life of Donna Russell (read her story posted 10/31.)

"I've done a number of Habitat projects over the last five years and the best thing about it is the feeling you get. You take away so much more than you put in."

Karl's first Habitat build included a 1000 home blitz in North Carolina, after that experience, Donna's home has to be a piece of cake!

"This A Brush With Kindness program is such a great thing! I live here in L.A. and this is my first Habitat buid here. Donna working full time and she has very little money for the upkeep of her home, she's faced city fines and needs all the help she can get to keep this house safe. I truly believe that smaller projects can have the largest impact."

Karl is leading a team of volunteers who have been primering and painting, replacing broken and non-existant windows, installed a back door that had been missing for years, and they are even attempting to get a furnace working that's been broken for 15 years! We have no doubt they'll be successful.

"Time is the most expensive thing we have and if you can donate that time to be part of a Habitat build you will walk away with so much more. If it's the only thing you do in your life, you'll grow old with a smile on your face."

A Kid at Heart

Rosemary Le is an active volunteer from Home Depot, one of our wonderful JCWP sponsors, who is having a very productive day. She was working so hard that it took several attempts to approach her.

"I'm having so much fun! Today I am installing siding, I learned how to use the power scissors, a nail gun and the saw!"

As excited Rosemary is about power tools, she's way more excited about the playground she's been coordinating for the children of this neighborhood with Home Depot partner Kaboom.




"Oh I can't wait for it! On December 6 we'll be out here for a six-hour event to construct their playground! People from our stores will be volunteering as well as the kids in this neighborhood who are over 13. The coolest part is that a month ago we had a 'design day' where all the kids helped us design their playground. We are trying our best to incorporate their suggestions into the final design."

Rosemary was building on this day with the Gonzalez family who happen to have 6 kids - which we're positive will love the playground!

After a Bumpy Beginning He's a Habitat Believer!

We had the pleasure of meeting Journeyman/Electrian Walter Berten at the Vermont Village site on Halloween who was out working with IBEW. IBEW is a sponsor of the 2007 JCWP and they are giving us power (well with the help of the DWP.)

"It's my first JCWP and my first Habitat build and it's awesome!"

Walter admits that on his first visit to the job site about a few months ago, he had his concerns. There were some logistics issues but he's happy to say they were all worked out before this week's event.

"It's an honor and a privelidge to be here. I love the feeling of community and the giving spirit.And the families, what can I say, we are one big world family."

Walter lives in Panorama City, CA and he tells us he'll be back..."God willing, I'll be here!"

Bo Knows Habitat

Bo Miller of DOW shares his personal experience...

This is my second Jimmy Carter Work Project, my first being last year at Lonlavala, India. India was an inspiring experience, an extraordinary experience and a motivating experience. While vastly different in many ways there is an underlying similarity to this year's build- "people helping deserving people with a hand up, not a hand out." And I am even more inspired this year, as the Greater LA Habitat build is featuring a number of "green" initiatives into the project, and Dow technology and products, particularly in energy efficient materials such as Weathermate house wrap and Styrofoam brand insulation readily fit into this theme. So in addition to financial support, product donation and the volunteerism of Dow people there will be a lasting contribution to the homeowners of reduced utility bills and an improved environmental footprint of their homes.

On a personal level- we had the opportunity to host our home owner, Barbara Wallace at dinner the other evening with her children, it was a great opportunity to get to know them better and learn of their hopes and aspirations. Seeing her at the job site this week- climbing scaffolding, painting and fully participating with pride in the construction of her home confirmed the fundamental need and benefit of what Habitat for Humanity and all of its volunteers provide individuals and communities worldwide. In the midst of all the activity, while Barbara was taking a much deserved rest break and I asked her how she was doing- she looked at all the people scurrying about and said simply "how could I be better?" Exchanges like these make habitat for humanity real for me.

The Party always ends up in the Kitchen!

We wandered into the kitchen of a house on the Vermont site where we met Kevin Blackburn(Right) a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.

Kevin: This is my First JCWP, but I’ve built with other Habitat affiliates. I’m really excited to be here. We have 15 employees participating from San Francisco and another 18 from Citi National which is our partner. Together we have donated $300,000 to this project. This is such a blessing, it’s great to be able to do this, We are volunteers, but this is better than working for a living!

Then Kevin’s friend and collegue Dwight Alexander(Left) joined in. This is Dwights 12th Habitat Build and his first time volunteering at a Jimmy Carter Work Project. Dwight was eager to share his thoughts about volunteering with Habitat.

Dwight: 1 out of 4 Habitat homes has been built with the help of Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco! I think Key Day is the Best!

The two agreed that watching a family get the keys to their new home is always the best part!

Kevin: We have done a lot of openings, I’m a softy, I always cry!

Dwight and Kevin both suggested reasons to volunteer and how they plan to remain involved with Habitat For Humanity after the JCWP.

Dwight: We both have kids that are almost teenagers, and we were just talking about how when they’re old enough we want to involve them, make it a family event!

Kevin: I would suggest anybody do this, if you take a week of your vacation time, or another week, this is an opportunity that will change your life!

Shomari Davis is electrified by his JCWP experience

This is Shomari Davis’ first JCWP and his first time building with Habitat for Humanity. “I always wanted to get involved before, but I was always late!” he said. “This is a ground-breaking project, I’m proud to be here.”

Shomari works at IBEW, and his team has been putting all of the electricity and solar panels throughout the new homes. “The teamwork is phenomenal,” he said. “The volunteers are helping so much, putting the solar panels together so when we install them, everything is ready to go.”

Installing the electricity has allowed Shomari to meet quite a few of the Partner families. “I’ve talked to one family about the process and she was really excited, scared, but knew that she was headed in the right direction. I want to meet more of them.”

Shomari is surprised at the good feeling and the energy that everybody is bringing out. “The Collaborations are awesome. Knowing that you are doing something for people is awesome! Seeing the President come out as well as other people is so exciting.” Shomari was most surprised at his own feelings of gratification. “You are helping people, but you are also helping yourself.”

L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn shares personal story with Carter Family

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn has been instrumental in bringing the Jimmy Carter Work Project here. "When I heard that they were looking for a site for this year's JCWP, I wrote a letter reminding the Carters of their long history with the Hahn family, and how honored we would be to have them in Los Angeles," Hahn Said.

Hahn has spent the week building side by side with people from all over the world as well as with new members of her council district. She spent Monday building with new homeowner Cassandra Torres, and shared how she was inspired by all of the women she met that day. Hahn has been a Habitat for Humanity volunteer since 1983, and this is her first Jimmy Carter Work Project. When the JCWP came to Los Angeles the first time, her father held her council seat and he was there.

"My father was the LA county campaign chair when he [Carter] ran for office. My dad and he became good friends after he was elected. When he was running, my Dad showed him around Watts." Hahn Shared a very personal family story that brought tears to our eyes when we heard it.

"After they became friends, he invited my dad to come onto AirForceOne. It's every politicians dream to be fly on AirForceOne. He asked my dad, 'Why don't you fly with me from Kansas City to D.C.' and my dad looked at the date and it was my parents 31st wedding anniversary. My dad had his secretary call back and politely decline with the information that it was his anniversary. Jimmy Carter's office immediately called back and said 'Bring your wife.' And when they boarded AirForceOne President Carter gave my mom Roses."

"Tuesday Night we had dinner in San Pedro and sat at a table beside the Carters, and we went over to take a quick picture with them, and he said on one condition that I get to have a picture alone with your mother. And he said to my mom I want you to know how much your family has meant to ours throughout the years. It was really nice for him to say that to my mom, he is a wonderful man."

Hahn's amazing stories of the relationship her family has with the Carter's only makes her involvement with the JCWP 2007 more special for her. She is constantly telling everybody how grateful she is for their hard work, and her final note was, "This is not a burden or a chore, this is going to change your life!"

A Brush With Kindness Gives a Home a Facelift

Donna Russell is a hard working mother of three, who moved into her house in 1978. She raised her family there, and all now attend college. One recently graduated from California State University, another is at UCLA and her son is in school to be a computer engineer. Donna is proud of her children, and is now eager to devote some time to her house.

Her house is 77 years old, and when she heard at a local neighborhood meeting that she could give her house some much needed repair, she jumped at the opportunity. She hoped that she had a chance to receive some help from A Brush With Kindness, and she seemed thrilled to have everybody there working on her home.

“Everything is wrong with it. There were at least 20 things wrong with the house from the plumbing on up. I had no back door, and they replaced it, they’ve replaced broken windows, I have an old furnace that hasn’t worked in at least 15 years, and they are even looking at that to see if they can get it working!” she said. Donna can’t wait to give back to Habitat for Humanity and help those like her. “The time that the volunteers put in is really heartwarming,” she said, “I wish I was retired so I could do this more often!”

Janelle wants to give more than just a week to the JCWP!

Janelle Mitchelle (right) is an AmeriCorps volunteer from Altoona, PA. This is Janelle’s first JCWP but she is not here to just build homes, she’s here to build lives. Janelle has developed a program for the week to help teach literacy to the young children who’ll be living in these new homes. She believes she can help the families by entertaining their kids while they work on their home and she’s created some Dr. Seuss-themed tutoring programs with her.

Janelle, who studies in Santa Barbara, contacted Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. to ask how she could help with the children and explained her ideas. They loved it and here she is. Oh and she’s also pretty handy with a hammer!

She says she loves meeting people from all over because everyone has a great story to tell (we agree.) She also loves learning new things, like conquering the nail gun. “It’s intimidating and powerful, but empowering at the same time. It feels so good to be dirty.”

“I hope to create ongoing programs for the kids and plan to be down here several weekends a month to spend time with these children. Many of them just want someone to read with them so that’s what I’ll do.”

Citi here to help the City of Angels

Arpi is building with Habitat for the first time this week while Mayra has been doing it since 2005. They both work for Citi who is a proud sponsor of the JCWP here in Los Angeles. The ladies have been working hard all day on our San Pedro site, Harborside Terrace. In fact, for part of the day they have been painting a home directly across from former President Carter, who is equally hard at work.

“It’s so wonderful to be here,” said Arpi. “The homeowner is here building with us and seems so happy! It feels so good to help her and to make a difference in her life.”

Mayra is impressed by the huge presence of volunteers here. Her first experience was a local L.A. build with about 50 Citi employees, and today she’s met Citi employees from all over the world including Mexico, Korea and India.

Mayra had this to say about the experience: “Wow. This is a huge project and nobody is slacking off at all! It makes you want to work even harder. I love meeting the families and I am excited to be building their homes.”

When he's done on the roof, he'll start on the Flowers!

“I love meeting so many new people with common interests.”

Ryan is the dept. manager of Lawn and Garden for Lowe’s Long Beach and it’s his first JCWP. It’s a lot bigger than he thought it would be but he’s having a great time. He’s been painting, cleaning and framing windows since he’s been here.

With some construction experience, he says it’s been nice to share his knowledge with others who are building for the first time. “Seeing people out there with no building experience is great! From simple to complex, they are all doing it.”

When Ryan told his mom he’s been nominated to be one of the Lowe’s volunteers here this year, she was thrilled. “She started telling me that I’d see President Carter and all about the build, she knew more about it than I did and she was so happy! It got me really excited.”

Ryan is already planning to build with Habitat as often as he can locally…guess he’s got Habititis too.

Tool Belt Diva

Norma Valley is No stranger to hard work!

Norma Vally is the host of Discovery Channel’s Tool Belt Diva and the author of Chix Can Fix. She has been volunteering with Habitat since…Sunday! She joined us for our Habitat Fest L.A. offering free clinics for women to learn home repair basics, from simple to complicated.

Since Sunday, Norma has been working hard on the homes in San Pedro and she says she is blown away by the experience. “The most overwhelming experience is to truly see what people can do together.”

She says the volunteers are like family and since day one there has been a sense of brotherhood and no egos, just everyone looking out for each other. “I wish this sentiment could last forever.”

Norma added that it seems selfish to call it volunteering because it feels so good and says, “It’s an exponential feeling and I am lucky to be here.”

She’s definitely got Habititis, she’s already asking about the next time she can come out and build! Thanks for your hard work, Norma!

Miss World Proves She's Got Major Skills

Former Miss World and Bollywood Celebrity, Diana Hayden, first found us during last year’s JCWP in her native India. When the beauty queen walked onto the build site, no one dreamed she’d be as capable and enthusiastic a builder as she is!

This year’s JCWP is Diana’s fifth build, she’s built locally in L.A., the Gulf and Africa, and she says her favorite place to be on top of the home roofing! She’ll be here all week working hard and spending time with the families.

“Each family is so amazing. They are why we do this. Why else would we wake up at 5:45 am and brave the L.A. traffic to get here? I am completely energized by this experience and the faces of each of the families.”

Today Diana is painting, roofing and sawing and next she’s going to learn how to operate a nail gun. She’s totally pumped. “Today I taught a man to use a power saw!”

Diana will be here all week shaming the daylights out of the male volunteers!

“I wish I could say something clever, but I’m too tired!”

While walking by our friend and long-time volunteer, Cindy Hoag of Beach Cities Friends (pictured 3rd from left), she looked at us and said exhaustedly, “I’d rather be painting.”

Cindy is very active with Habitat of Greater L.A. and a familiar face on the build sites. Cindy and her friends started Beach Cities Friends in the South Bay area of Los Angeles as a way to raise money and awareness in the community. BCF began with simple get-togethers with friends and now boasts several annual events that raise tens of thousands. Since 2000 they have organized incredible fundraiser throughout the area and during this year’s JCWP they are proud to be sponsoring the homes the Torres and Suarez families.

Today Cindy is installing siding to a home, which she says can be very intimidating, adding that yesterday they had to redo a certain area 3 times. As proud as she is to have learned how to load and operate a nail gun, she says she’s most proud of the former BCF members who’ve gone on to become board members for Habitat GLA, including current board chairman David E. Lin and new board member John Smet.

“This is my first JCWP and I am meeting the neatest people from all over the world. I am working with some great guys from Georgia, who keep calling ma’am, which makes me feel kind of old, but they’re sweet. I can definitely have a second career as a painter, drywaller or sliding installer, that’s for sure!”

We Met the Blog Builders!

We are not the only ones sharing stories daily, there are some awesome folks from Habitat for Humanity International blogging too! Get all the stories here:
http://www.habitat.org/jcwp/2007/blog/blog_intro.aspx

This Habitat Volunteer has been to Every JCWP

John Fantom is from Chicago where he has been volunteering for Habitat and supporting his local affiliate since ’99 but he got his first taste back in ’94 during a JCWP in Kentucky. He was also instrumental in developing a youth program that worked with Habitat twice a year and it’s still going strong.

John has been to EVERY JCWP since 1994! Amazing! He admits it seems a bit selfish because he always leaves feeling so good! “Nothing compares to this experience. I love meeting people who want to help their families so much that they are willing to work really hard to build their home – they just need a little boost.”

Dow has supported Habitat for many years, both International and locally, with teams of volunteers, financial donations, products and they even bring their customers out to volunteer. The company has participated in all 24 JCWP’s and it doesn’t seem likely they’ll ever stop!

JCWP Los Angeles news story!

Here is a recent news story on abc7.com. Check out the story by clicking the link below!
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5732315

Do-it-yourselfer; Turned Volunteer

Rosalie Gap is a local from Lakewood, California and she has been volunteering since 2000. Rosalie first volunteered for Habitat during a Global Village in New Zealand. She’s always been a do-it-herselfer so she decided to look into opportunities to help build with Habitat and the first one she found was New Zealand. As a volunteer, Rosalie has installed drywall, insulation, countertops and painted.

She says her reason for volunteering is simply boredom. She had skills and a lot of time on her hands! One thing we have heard throughout the week is ‘lasting friendships’ – Rosalie is no exception. She says her fondest memory is of two young people who met on the New Zealand build – they were from Maine and Fresno – they dated and when they decided to marry, the entire New Zealand team of volunteers received an invitation to the wedding!

The biggest highlight for Rosalie this year was running into an old friend named Danny whom she met on a build in Northern Ireland in 2004.

This year, Rosalie is proud to have been selected as a mentor for a partner family.

This is Way Better than Work!

Mercedes is having a great time out at the build site on day 2 of the JCWP. She spent the first day volunteering at the hotel helping to register all the volunteers arriving from all over the world. Today she was working on a home, mostly painting, alongside the new homeowners (a family of 8) and her fellow Citi volunteers. Mercedes has no building experience at all but says she’s having fun!

“It’s a great opportunity to see how people less fortunate are working this hard and actually becoming home owners. I think meeting the families is the best part and what can I say, it beats working!”

AmeriCorp Volunteer, Michael, builds homes and friendships with families

“This [JCWP] experience has taken my enthusiasm from toes all the way up to my head!”

When AmeriCorps volunteer, Micheal, joined Habitat this past August, he never expected the total family atmosphere of the organization. He is also blown away by the relationships he’s established with the partner families whose homes he works on each day. “All of a sudden I am great with names,” he says proudly.

As for his fellow AmeriCorps volunteers, he says it’s a great group, very diverse, and they get along well. They all hang out a lot and they are developing strong friendships based on their similar ideals and morals…they are after all AmeriCorps!

Michael has a construction background but is studying education. He says he is planning to go to grad school but is still trying to figure it all out. Environmental education is something he is very interested in, but he also sees himself working with Habitat for Humanity because his ‘heart is completely in it.’

“If anybody has the opportunity to get involved somehow with Habitat - whether it’s building, administration, working in the restore, or supporting financially - take the time to get to know the partner families and the other volunteers. The people involved change your experience completely. Let down your guard and go out and do it!”

17 years ago, The Berry's caught Habititis

Cindy and Don Berry are members of the largest church in San Diego, which organized support for the JCWP in 1990 to provide food and volunteers for the 2 build sites – Tijuana, Mexico and Encanto (East San Diego.)

Well, they caught the bug! They thought they’d wait till retirement to work with Habitat but they were not willing to wait and jumped at the next opportunity to volunteer. They speak about the 2 person tents and dusty bus rides from Tijuana to Encanto with smiles and laughter. Again we hear all about the lasting friendships of JCWP. One such

friendship is with the Schultz’s standing nearby today. The Berry’s are hear assisting with logistics, but they have served so many roles in years past including crew leaders and house leaders.

The Berry’s don’t wait to volunteer once a year with the Carters, they support their local affiliate in San Diego where Cindy helps with family selection.

“We love the friendship,” says Cindy, “we came here this week and are seeing old friends whom we haven’t seen since a build five years ago. It’s also about the diversity. I love to meet people from all walks of life.

“The homeowners are the best,” adds Don. “You can be the toughest guy on the job site and you’ll still cry when they hand them the keys.” (Side note: Don choked up while giving us this quote – go Don!)

Meet A Local Favorite: Pedro Pat!

Pedro Pat, as she is affectionately known to us all, is one of the most enthusiastic volunteers in San Pedro (and maybe in all of L.A.)

She began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity during a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland in 2000. It was to be like any of her annual trips abroad, but she was looking for something different and heard about a Global Village build. She never thought for a minute she'd get in, but when she contacted the orgnaizers a cancellation had just occured so she leaped at the chance to go! It was literally a month or two out.

Pat had always supported HFH as a donor, but this was her first build. It changed her and what was scheduled for her 'retirement' was now a passion she had to embrace locally. Once she returned home, she saw a notice in the local paper for a blitz build in nearby Wilmington and signed up. She became registration Chairman, and she kept going from there. Since then Pedro Pat can be found at most our build events and she participates in all areas for HFH including Building, Administration, Special Events, Family Services, Community Relations and even P.R!

This week is Pat's first JCWP and we are so glad to have her!!! San Pedro is lucky to have such a shining example of humanity right in their own back yard.

Pat Kaiser's second JCWP

Pat Kaiser has traveled across the country from Chicago, with her son, to participate in this years JCWP. This is Pat’s second time participating in the international event, but she has participated with her local affiliate in many Habitat for Humanity events. Pat loves participating in the JCWP builds for many reasons. She said that she loves how well-organized the events are and she loves the amount of diversity each JCWP seems to have.

Pat can be found conversing with those around her, making what she knows will be long-lasting friendships. Pat finds the JCWP most unique for this very reason, “There’s nothing like working elbow to elbow with people you don’t know, and making friends.”

She has "Habitat Fever"

Sonia Street met President Carter in 1992, when he helped her build her home in Baltimore.

During this morning’s press conference with President Carter, a woman leaned over said, with a huge smile on her face, “I built with him 15 years ago on my house.” Sonia built her home with the Carters during a blitz in 1992 in Baltimore. At the time her daughters were 9 and 7 (twins) and Sonia says the girls’ grades soared and their family became even closer. When the women moved into their new 3 bedroom home, Sonia “gave” it to her daughters, choosing to sleep on the couch so that all three would have their own bedroom.

Her daughters are now 25 & 23, the oldest is an entrepreneur, who owns a candy and sweets shop and the two youngest went on to become correctional officers. Sonia has continued to build with Habitat for Humanity locally and has traveled with the JCWP to Seoul, Korea, Michigan and Georgia. She says, “Habitat is a good thing. If you ever have a chance to get involved, come get the Habitat Fever!” Sonia still has a dream to own her own diner one day, which she says is a work in progress. This week Sonia is working hard to make sure all our volunteers are fed and hydrated as a food station volunteer.

A side note, it turns out that we were not the only ones impressed by Sonia, several volunteers have been talking about how great she is and suggesting we meet her all day.

Peter Anderson Can Really Build!

Peter Anderson has a special attachment to the JCWP, he met his wife there! In 1996, Peter traveled from his home in Belfast ,Northern Ireland to Hungary for a week blitz-build. That week changed his life. He and his wife who met more than ten years ago while volunteering are expecting their first child in about 6 weeks. He and his wife take turns participating in JCWP's around the world. Last year his wife traveled to India, this year it was his turn to join us in Los Angeles.

Peter joined the staff of Habitat for Humanity last year and is proud to be on a team of 4 from Belfast. Two are house leaders and all participate on Global Village teams. This year, Northern Ireland will send out 45 teams to different parts of the world to participate in Habitat builds. 1 in 1000 people in Ireland has participated in a Habitat for Humanity event, a number Peter is extremely proud of. Check out His Northern Ireland affiliate at http://www.habitat.org/cd/frame/frameset.aspx?r=3&url=www.habitatni.co.uk

Meet Cassandra Torres, Single Mom, Proud builder and now Homeowner

Cassandra Torres working on her new Habitat home.


“I’m waiting for somebody to say ‘Cassandra, wake up!’, I keep thinking it’s farther down the road and I don’t want to get so antsy,” said Cassandra Torres on the build site of her new home in San Pedro during the first day of the JCWP. Her four kids are eager to move in and her two youngest girls have already decided on their room décor: one Dora the Explorer, the other Barbie. Her kids have also started begging their mom to get a puppy for their new home, each has their own idea of what kind of dog to get. Cassandra home, which is being built entirely by women at the JCWP, is scheduled to be done by Friday. Torres is proud of the team building her home because she says, “women are perfectionists."


(Photo: L.A. Councilwoman Janice Hahn, volunteering at the All-Women build site.)

Cassandra is a huge inspiration to others, who might be interested in applying for a Habitat for Humanity Home. She works full-time, goes to school and drives more than 30 miles to the job site to put in her sweat-equity build hours. Her advice to others interested in home ownership is “just keep trying, even if you get discouraged, keep trying!”

When asked what Cassandra is going to do in her new home first, she simply replied, “Sleep.”

To read more about the Torres family check out her famlies bio at http://www.jcwpla.org/jcwpla/jcwp_family_torres.asp

Local Volunteers Welcome at JCWP 2007

That's right, we still have some volunteer opportunities for Angelinos to helps us! Please visit www.jcwpla.org to sign up.

You will build alongside some amazing folks like celebrities, dignitaries, volunteers from all over the world, sponsors, donors and families who are about to become homeowners in the worst housing marketing in the U.S.

You will be forever changed, you will forever change the lives of hard working L.A. families and you will catch HABITITIS!

Please join us!
www.jcwpla.org

What People are saying about Habitat For Humanity

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is fortunate to service a city full of interesting people from all walks of life and all backgrounds. We could not help the families of these communities without the support of our local volunteers. Many of our volunteers also happen to be famous, which helps us get our message out to an even wider audience. People love to tell us about how their work with Habitat has moved them, and we thought we'd share a few quotes from some folks you may recognize.


"The people that I've met that will inhabit these homes share a lot of the same issues that we all share. They're people who want a home for their family, who want to teach their family values, ethics, and morals, who want to raise good kids, who want to be part of a great country and so I'm very much the same as them in that way." -Maria Shriver, First Lady of California, Journalist and Philanthropist


"Working with Habitat for Humanity as the honorary chair of Operation Home Delivery provides me an avenue to channel this incredible sadness that has devoured my soul. This program is getting people back into homes, back on their feet and on with their lives." -Harry Connick Jr., Musician and Philanthropist, Honorary Co-Chair Operation Home Delivery (Hurricaine Katrina aftermath)

"I think I'll be dreaming about extremely high ladders and soffit for the rest of my life!! It's definitely been a learning experience. I've never worked on a house before so I have a new respect for the labor involved. Everywhere I look now, I see soffit. I want to come back and build again. I recommend it to everyone. It not only builds a home for a stranger, but it also builds a home for your soul." -Billy Joe Armstrong, Green Day, Musician and Philanthropist

Has Habitat for Humanity changed your life or the life of someone you know? We'd love to hear from you.

JCWP Build site

Here are a few photos of the JCWP 2007 build sites.

This location is the site for the San Pedro build

This is the Vermont location

Both sites are nearing completion, which will happen during the week of the JCWP.

Habitat for Humanity of Los Angeles welcomes the Jimmy Carter Work Project of 2007

Habitat for Humanity, like most things stemming from the goodness of people’s hearts, had humble beginnings and a slow start. The original concept for the non-profit began in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller in a small town in Georgia. It wasn’t until 10 years later, with the support of high-profile volunteers, President Carter and his wife Rosalynn, that the non-profit sparked interest all over the nation.

In November of 1984, in search of ways to contribute to social justice and basic human rights, the Carter’s created the first Jimmy Carter Work Project in New York City. Together with Habitat for Humanity they renovated a six-story building for 19 families in need. Their personal involvement brought visibility to the organization, and the project has been Internationally recognized every year since.

So what does this mean for Los Angeles in 2007? Plenty. Los Angeles is overcrowded and 88% of the residents cannot afford the median home price of over $540,000. Furthermore nearly 1 in 5 residents lives in Poverty, that’s 1.8 million people. Hardly the movie-star mansions that people imagine when they think of Los Angeles. We hope you’ll visit this blog often to hear from the folks who will be hands-on during this year’s JCWP and please visit http://www.jcwpla.org/ to meet our amazing families.

The Jimmy Carter Work Project will kick off a 3-year campaign by Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. to build 250 homes. Won’t you join us as we build hope and change lives in the community? Visit http://www.habitatla.org/ for more info.