Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity (Summer 1998)

Alison Morden-Smith was the person who proposed that we work with Habitat for Humanity in building a new home. The idea of helping to build a home, working with Habitat for Humanity, was endorsed by the congregation. Sixty- five thousand dollars ($65,000) was raised, and “a-building we went.” It was my honour to lead this project. I had had many years’ experiences in design and construction. We had a wonderful organizing committee in preparing for the build. There were many many meetings held at the Slades’ residence. Some key decisions made at these meetings were:

• a)  Site preparation;

• b)  Food: 2 daily meals for 7 days;

• c)  Scheduling for all build helpers; and

• d)  Designing a 3-bedroom house, which I did, working closely with the Carmody family, obtaining a building permit, etc.

The Met United volunteers were so vital and did a wonderful job in so many ways. It was a super busy week building a complete home in 7 days. We were all extremely tired but elated by our achievements. I cannot name all the volunteers who did so much; however, several names I will mention are Jim Rowcliffe (my gofer), Murray May (tool manager), and Al Lawton (carpenter). It was a proud Sunday after church when all of us from Met United, and the Carmody family, met outside on Emerson Ave. for the dedication ceremony. What a wonderful commitment by Metropolitan United Church to successfully complete this large project! My involvement as leader led me to become a member of the Executive Committee of Habitat For Humanity and to successfully lead and build ten more homes for London families.