25 days, 25 stories: HFH is…You

Each day from October 5 to October 29, 2009 we will be posting a new story in celebration of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s 25th anniversary. These stories have come to us from people who have been involved with Habitat Omaha in a variety of ways at some point in the past 25 years. We hope that you enjoy these reflections, some old and some new, about Habitat Omaha and that they inspire or renew the spirit of service in you. If you have a story of your own that you would like to share please send it to us at buildinghope.omaha@gmail.com.

 

HFH is…You

(March 1997 Omaha Habitat for Humanity New–Newsletter)

“The numbers are certainly impressive. The Omaha Habitat affiliate has only been around for the past twelve years, and already there are over 60 families that have made the move from an inadequate housing situation to home ownership. It is easy to be impressed with the accomplishments. ‘Look at what we have done,’ we say.

We have built and re-built stairways, walls and even whole houses. We have hung drywall, siding, and doors. We have installed bathtubs, fixtures and cabinets. We have repaired porches, ceilings, and windows. Have we missed the point?

If we only look at what we have accomplished; if we only see what we have done; if we only see the numbers; we miss the point.

Habitat for Humanity is not just about accomplishments it is about PEOPLE. It is about people who hang drywall, and people who take trash to the dump. It is about people who organize and people who put up walls. It is about people who work in the office and people who pour concrete. It is about people who donate money or equipment, and people who give their time. It is about volunteers, homeowners and future homeowners. Habitat is people.

I realize that this is nothing profound. It does not take a genius to realize that Habitat’s main resource, no, Habitat’s only resource is PEOPLE. But, it does take some effort to remember this in everything that we do. Everything that is accomplished is the result of the combined efforts of INDIVIDUALS.

What does that mean to you? If you are supporter, maybe it is time to get your organization or group together to participate in a work day. Maybe it is time to find a new way for your company to support the work of Habitat. Maybe it is time to get involved with Habitat on the committee or board level.

If you are a homeowner, maybe it is time to remember that we are all in this together, that building and repairs are the result of combined efforts of PEOPLE just like yourself. Maybe it is time to work toward networking, and supporting other homeowners…

Either way, hats off to YOU. Thanks to you the vision is alive, and it is becoming reality. Thank you for your renewed interest in the work of Omaha Habitat for Humanity!!!”

David Tietz, full time volunteer

 

 
Visit the new habitatomaha.org to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, find out about volunteer opportunities and to donate now.