Housing needs are obvious in the wake of natural disasters, in impoverished countries and among the homeless in our cities. But even here in Bucks County, where the affluent suburbs sometimes mask socioeconomic realities, there are many who have trouble meeting basic shelter requirements.
“A lot of people don’t realize how great the need for sustainable homeownership is,” says Mikaela D. Martin, marketing and public relations director for Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County. “We work to alleviate that need.” Seeking to eliminate substandard housing conditions and homelessness, the nonprofit invites “people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in a partnership with families in need.”
As an affiliate of the larger international Habitat for Humanity organization, the Bucks County chapter builds affordable homes in the interest of creating strong, safe communities. “We build wherever we can afford to go,” says Martin. And though they receive some county funding, the majority of their funds come from individuals, organizations and private companies. “One of the reasons we’ve been so successful is because it is grassroots,” she continues. “We are concentrated on Bucks County.”
Martin stresses that although many people are familiar with Habitat for Humanity there are several misconceptions about their programs. While they certainly accept donations, the organization does not purchase the land or existing buildings if they are planning to renovate.
Building is a collaborative effort as partner families work on their homes alongside volunteers. Participants must have stable incomes and Habitat provides the houses at cost with little or no interest. “It’s a real sense of accomplishment,” says Martin. Families that might not otherwise have been able to afford a home can be proud to own their own. Working 100 to 375 hours on their houses, partner families can see direct results. “It’s a unique experience for the families,” Martin adds. “And these are people working in our communities.”
As of December, the Bucks County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity has worked with 196 members of the community. Most recently, the organization completed work on the Stitchery, an adaptive-reuse project in Perkasie. Once a factory, the site has now been refurbished into six condominium units. So far, 3,608 hours have been logged at the Stitchery, and 318 volunteers have worked on the homes.
The organization also maintains the ReStore, a retail outlet where used and surplus building material and home items are sold. Located at 31 Oak Ave. in Chalfont, the ReStore is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, and proceeds help fund their efforts.
“There are basically three things needed for Habitat for Humanity to be successful in Bucks County,” says Martin, “Act, give and share.” Act by volunteering, give by donating funds and share by advocating for their cause.
Building houses is a useful team-building activity, which many businesses and organizations use to their advantage. However, Martin also stresses that individuals are always welcome. “You can volunteer for as much time as you can give, whether a day or several weeks,” she says.
There are also several initiatives like the Women Build Interest program, a nationwide effort that the Bucks County chapter launched here in 2005. Since women are disproportionately represented at the construction sites, the program, operating with a pledge system, aims to help them gain confidence and skill on the sites.
There are many ways to volunteer, and individuals need not have construction experience to help build. Volunteers are also needed in the offices and to operate the ReStore. For volunteer opportunities please contact Laura McClellan at l.mcclellan@habitatbucks.org or call 215-822-2812 x302.
Go Online at www.habitatbucks.org