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.

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!"

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!

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.

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.”

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