Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 03, 1999 07:48am | #1

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   Being a remodeling contractor and not a builder, I think it would be more difficult to do this with unskilled labor than it would be to build a house from scratch.

   On a habitat construction project, a few skilled managers can show almost anyone how to nail down subfloor or how to paint the garage. The more skilled part of construction (electrical, hvac, excavation, any framing other than straight walls) are done by skilled trades.

   In remodeling and especially repairs, the scope of work is small enough that it would be difficult to show a layman how to do a task. As soon as the lesson was over, the work would also be completed.

   If the work was to be done by volunteers with some skills that were capable of running the job alone, then I think it would work well and is a good idea.

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   D_P | Dec 03, 1999 08:47am | #2

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   George,

   This CAN work...with the right, skilled, dedicated people. I have, over the years, done volunteer work similar to this, usually with a couple of buddies, more if the job demands it. You have various labor pools to draw from, such as Scouting, churches, etc. Your unskilled or semi skilled labor has nothing to consider other than a one-day commitment to a single project. Think simple, needed projects, such as wheelchair accessiblity ramps for the elderly, winterization projects, roof repairs, etc.

   As a matter of fact, I'm also in central north carolina. I'm dropping you a private email, and let's see if we can get together for lunch one day and brainstorm a little. I'm guessing you're with IBM up at RTP.

   I too, have thought of going this route, doing it on a more organized but still local level, including formation of a local foundation for funding of necessary materials and supplies.

   I'm not a professional builder, actually I, too, am in the computer industry, but am willing to help.

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   Guest_ | Dec 03, 1999 09:04am | #3

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   george,

   It's a great idea. God knows there is plenty of need. Best of luck with it.

   Rich Beckman

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   Guest_ | Dec 03, 1999 09:26am | #4

   *George,Two thoughts. Start out with simple projects that you can accomplish in a set amount of time. Once you start something it has to be finished. You can not walk away from a roofing job after the tear off because the volunteers are to sore to get out of bed on day two. Also, affiliate your effort with a reputable agency that will help you identify the projects that will benefit the most. Good luck. If I lived in your area I would donate some time.Steve

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   Guest_ | Dec 03, 1999 03:46pm | #5

   *George,Your local habitat may be able to help with materials. Around here there is also ECHO. It is a local group organized by churches and civic groups in the area. Basically they have a warehouse that takes donated mateial, and goods and a little money. They are a lot nicer to work with. Good luck.Rick Tuk

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   Guest_ | Dec 03, 1999 08:51pm | #6

   *George: Habitat has a program like you describe in other areas of the country. Why don't you ask the project super or the executive director of your HFH to get you some info.

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   CAP_ | Dec 04, 1999 01:56am | #7

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   George,

   We have a local Habitat, and we also have an outfit called "Christmas in April", which does reno/fixup stuff for the poor. The Christmas in April group works on homes only a couple of weekends a year, but thay get a lot done.

   My experience with Habitat is that most people don't feel able to make a committment to do regular volunteer work. They want a half-day experience once or twice a year that leaves them feeling good about giving to the community. Nothing wrong with that. Use those big work days to paint, side, roof. Then see if those people will provide a financial contribution the rest of the year.

   The skills needed to do renovation work are different, and in some ways I think more demanding, than for new construction. To build your core group of volunteers, look to the recently retired community. It's an impressive group of men & women (ages 60-80) who are out there every Friday and Sat, rain or shine...

   Also, once your group gets non-profit status, consider getting listed with the local United Way as a source of $$.

5. 
   Guest_ | Dec 04, 1999 03:43am | #8

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   George:

   1) Where do you live? I live in Raleigh NC.

   2) AS CAP mentioned above, there is a program here in NC that is similar to what you describe. It's called Christmas in April. The way it works is needy families are identified for a "blitz Saturday" each April. For example, one family may get a new roof, another an exterior paint job, and another a front porch rebuild. Tasks are identified that can be completed in a weekend and that require less skill and more labor.

   3) The only possible obstacle I can see is funding. Having given many fulfilling hours to HFH and some to Christmas in April, I never felt comfortable with (by en large) funding the work I do, nor do I feel that soliciting donations is the way my time is best spent. There's gotta be a team tasked with this.

   I have also done some "ad-hock" home repairs for needy people for free - but still the material funding issue was there.

   DP:

   Where are you?

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 04, 1999 09:03am | #9

   *Steve Hansen makes some very good points. Churches of all denominations are the single best source for directing you to projects. Also, what CAP said about seeking skilled volunteers from the retired community is a great idea.

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   Guest_ | Dec 04, 1999 11:08pm | #10

   *Christmas in April is what came to mind for me also. The condition of some elderly people's homes, esp. on safety issues, can be horrifying (I'm thinking of my neighbor). My impression was that Christmas was mostly skilled volunteers, plus (relative to HFH) few volunteers for paint-scraping and shingling duty.Like all wise '90s organizations, they have a Web presence: Christmas In April USAThere are a lot of administrative issues in something like this, insurance, liability waivers, yada-yada-yak, thus great benefit in cooperating with an existing organization that knows the ropes.Sometime soon, when I HAVE free time, I'd like to do this sort of work myself.

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   Guest_ | Dec 09, 1999 06:51am | #11

   *Around here, the Christmas In April work is sponsored/run by AmeriCares; matter of fact, I didn't know Christmas In April was an organization separate from Americares until this post. Anyway, they may be a source of advice and funding for your good idea. I have talked with them at Christmas In April's and they say there is a large problem of older (usually) people who cannot maintain houses they own, leading to neighborhood decay. These people generally have no advocacy for them, and Christmas In April fills this need well. I'm not from around there, but best of luck.

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   george_hairston | Jan 05, 2000 12:31am | #12

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   I am considering the feasibility of a small scale, local (central NC) Habitat for Humanity varient which would provide needed home repairs for needy home owners. This could involve substantially less funding than the building of houses while providing all sorts of benefits for everyone involved. I would deeply appreciate your considered input.