i had the awesome opportunity to work with dc habitat for humanity yesterday on their current project in northeast dc.
dc habitat just recently passed the 100th house marker and is underway on a 53-home project in the district, 27 of which are completed. contrary to popular belief habitat for humanity does not give away houses to homeless people – rather they work in partnership with low-income families to build affordable, decent homes, and sell them far below cost with no-profit, no-interest mortgages.
habitat builds homes using volunteer labor and donations, in addition to the 300 hours of “sweat equity” that future homeowners are required to complete.
along with about 25 other volunteers i spent the day working on one of 3 houses in varying stages of development, (out of 6 that are currently under construction.) organized into three teams, we painted, laid drywall, hung vinyl siding, and stuffed insulation.
it was a tough, but very rewarding day, and i met some amazingly hardworking people – including the americorps crew leaders (yay scott!), local volunteers, and the organizers from dc habitat.
to learn more about habitat for humanity and its local affiliates visit www.habitat.org and consider volunteering or donating to this truly incredible organization.
scott teaches the crew how to hang vinyl siding:
asher and i get ready to pack in fiberglass insulation:
lee + jenny finish drywalling an upstairs closet:
team drywall is busy downstairs as well:
hillary expertly cut the soffit into perfect-sized sections:
don’t let her fool you – shabnam LOVES when i stalk her with the camera…just look at her measuring that siding!
the hanleywood crew acts goofy after a hard day’s work:
blonde photo :: have more fun! 
Yay! So happy you did this! xoxo.
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