25 days, 25 stories: Living Out the Gospel
Living Out the Gospel
[Habitat for Humanity of Omaha] had bought several lots from the Land Reutilization Authority around the 37th and Spencer area where our first house was built and they were overgrown with weeds and had lots of trees growing on them. I mentioned this at an early board meeting and Rev. Stefan Emery of Northside Mennonite Church said that he had some connections with the Mennonites in Beemer, Nebraska and that they often cleared land to help out. So the date was set, I think it was a Saturday, and Bill and I were to meet them at the Burger King at 44th and Dodge Streets for coffee and then they would follow us out to the lots. Bill wasn’t too happy about the 7 a.m. part but anyway they worked all morning and then went over to Margaret’s home nearby where she had made them lunch.
Then they went back to the site, finished with their chainsaws getting the last of the trees out and loaded up for firewood to take back to Beemer. It was amazing how fast they worked and then just hopped in their trucks, thanked US for the lunch and coffee which was small in comparison to their trip and 
work, and of course we thanked THEM for helping us out. That is why I hope we get the Mennonites involved again with Omaha Habitat as they truly believe you are to LIVE OUT the Gospel.
Mary Lyons-Barrett
One of the founders of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
Visit the new habitatomaha.org to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, find out about volunteer opportunities and to donate now.
Add comment October 11, 2009
25 days, 25 stories: A Note from the President
From the President
(June 1995 Omaha Habitat for Humanity News-Newsletter)
“Thank you for taking part in the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Our combined efforts have made an impact on our community by housing over 40 families! Oyea!! By the end of this year, we should be providing housing for well over 50 families. If you figure that in terms of children, that’s almost 200 kids that have been, or will be, given a home they can call their own. Hopefully this will lead to a brighter future for our youth. This is a tremendous accomplishment and the same time an awesome task considering this is all done with private donations and volunteers.
As with all God’s children, we are all blessed in many different ways. Some of us possess talents that are only seen by the Heavenly Father. Others display more earthly attributes that help promote the will and wisdom that Jesus displayed during his short time on earth.
Habitat’s partnership operation seeks to put these many and varied blessings to good used. The outcome, we hope is threefold: (1) people of faith have a way to share their resources, (2) people in need can now have decent affordable housing and (3) community is built and barriers broken down as we work together.
-Chris Wieh, Habitat Omaha’s President in 1995”
Visit the new habitatomaha.org to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, find out about volunteer opportunities and to donate now.
Add comment October 10, 2009
25 days, 25 stories: Perspective
Perspective
by Erin Nelson (Oct. 1997 Omaha Habitat for Humanity News-Newsletter)
“Erin Nelson [was] a Junior at Lake Forest College [at the time of this writing] and an alumna of Duschesne Academy in Omaha. She spent her summer internship as our volunteer coordinator (and carpenter). Erin writes about her summer…
My impression of Habitat before I worked here was of another nonprofit, do-gooder organization. The prospect of working here seemed like a noble cause which would open lots of doors for me. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.
I am an English major, and this past year I read many works by poets of the Romantic era. One of the themes that Romantic poets wrestled with is innocence versus experience. Innocence is the view that everything is black or white, the feeling you will be taken care of, naiveté. As you grow older you gain experience. Experience is knowledge and wisdom, but with that knowledge there’s grey area and oftentimes sadness.
When you enter the realm of grayness, or experience, you are forced to make decisions about what you believe and who you are. Habitat brought me into “the grey area.” I came into contact with people who were from an entirely different walk of life. I learned that goodness and integrity don’t automatically erase the lines drawn between people who are different. To the everyday “joe,” that lesson seems like common knowledge. But to someone who was brought up in a household which demanded you treat people with respect and sensitivity, and you had a right to expect the same of others, it was tough. And it made me sad.
I also pondered the reasons people made the decisions they made and how they stood up against mine.
On a lighter note, I learned about soffits, how to make sure lawns drain water in a beneficial way, and that pouring concrete is a messy business. At the office I learned how to put the “fun back into dysfunctional”, conduct office chair races, and how to persuade individuals to participate in a worthwhile experience. I also 
learned about growing organizations, and other lessons that will carry me into my tentative future career in human relations.
In conclusion, I set out to gain knowledge for my future occupation, but what I really got was knowledge of myself. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
Visit the new habitatomaha.org to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, find out about volunteer opportunities and to donate now.
Add comment October 9, 2009
25 days, 25 stories: Volunteer Anatomy
Volunteer Anatomy
by Jody Holdcroft
(Written for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in 1997.)
“Volunteers have been, and always will be, the backbone of Habitat for Humanity. They come from every walk of life, every age group, every size, ever denomination, both genders and for various and sundry reasons. Some come because they “have to” through community service programs, but most come because they “want to,” and feel compelled to do something for others. Many people have a strong faith in God, feel blessed to have a good home of their own, and believe everyone should have a decent place to live. Churches and synagogues are the recruiters for many of our workers.
We have had some unusual volunteers…two were girls from Sweden, here working their way across America and found a job at the Salvation Army. One day a week the girls shared their carpentry skills with us.Several have come through the suggestion of our headquarters in Americus, Georgia. These have included a teacher from Pennsylvania, a lawyer-judge from Utah, and Peter from Zaire. A doctor and his family from Iowa spent their family reunion working on foundations for a summer blitz. Several universities, both here in Omaha, and others from out-of-state, have sent students over spring break and at other times of the year. We have had several high school groups as far away as Washington state and as near as Orange City, Iowa.
And of course, many groups from right here in Omaha have contributed much energy and eagerness working now and then on our weekly work days. Some retired folks, and some with a flexible schedule, have met on Tuesdays and been labeled the ‘Tuesday Crew.’ They are going on seven years of happy times. They spend their time getting to know the new homeowners in smaller setting, having donut breaks and lunch together, and sharing family stories. In between all of 
that, they build, some with expert skill.
The ‘Blitz Builds’ bring together our biggest group of volunteers, and it is a time so special that most return year after year. Again, getting acquainted with the new homeowners is a big part of its attraction. These weeks are ‘infectious habititis’ at its highest…”
Add comment October 8, 2009
25 days, 25 stories: The Impact of Habitat
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.
The Impact of Habitat
I am always touched by the house dedication ceremony and reactions of the families. I remember one I attended back in September of 2001…as I recall it was the Sunday before 9/11. One of the coalition members was speaking about the house and the fact that there were bedrooms for both of the children. The youngest, who was about 4 years old heard that, turned to his Mother & Father and said am I getting my own bedroom and they said yes. He started crying…he was so touched by the fact that this was something he had never experienced before. I was moved to tears as were many at the 
ceremony. It was that day that I realized the impact we have in helping Habitat, something I was just taking for granted previously, but we do change lives!!
Richard E. Schenck (Long-Time Habitat Omaha Supporter)
Vice-President
Community Development Manager
Social Responsibility Group
Wells Fargo
Add comment October 7, 2009
25 days, 25 stories: A Blitz Build Memory
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.
I remember working on the first blitz build house on Charles. We were anxious and excited at the same time. Could we find enough volunteers to pull off a blitz? Would everything work out like it said on paper? I have to say that the joy and the cooperative spirit that I experienced that week hooked me for good. Oh there were plenty of moments when we wondered whether it would ultimately all come together but when Saturday came and there stood a home ready for a family, I cannot tell you the amount of joy I felt having been a partner in the effort. I remember seeing the face of the homeowner glow like crystal. Wow! Amazing! Unbelievable! There were plenty of other words of appreciation and gratitude, too.
I think my greatest joy is seeing the faces of the family when they are handed the key to their new home. It is overwhelming. I am grateful to be granted the privilege of working with the homeowner in building a house that becomes a home.
Pastor Damon Laaker
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Neighbors South Coalition Member
Add comment October 6, 2009
25 days, 25 stories: An August Laborer’s Letter
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.
An August Laborer’s Letter
(Sept. 1991 Omaha Habitat for Humanity News–Newsletter)
“This isn’t what I had in mind for an adventurous weekend, but hey, I’m open minded. Appealing to my sense of Christian service, my friend Nadine challenged me to join her for her summer’s Habitat stint. I conceded to a Saturday’s sweat and toil out of curiosity and her promise of a play in town. I didn’t plan to be so indelibly touched by the dedication I saw or to be spiritually fed, but I was. It all happened so quietly…
Early Saturday we traipsed the steps of the 35th Avenue house to stare at the biggest pile of wood and junk I’ve ever seen. Nadine pulled on gloves and started having plaster and lath into a truck with cheerful fervor. Nadine must be out of her mind to do this. Soon a college freshman came, then a little wisp of a woman (it turned out to be Margaret), a gaggle of Rainbow Girls , an older man, the soon-to-be owner of another Habitat house. By some silent plan we fell into it as one.
Something happened. We shared sweat and ideas, ramrodded walls, organized bucket brigades and demolition projects. We laughed with people we’ll never see again, split sandwiches and cans of pop to share amongst three or four people. Like the fish and barley loaves we never ran our; the cooler never emptied. The camaraderie of purpose and caring showed on every face. Surely this is the house that love built!
Something special was built for me too. I renewed my faith in human benevolence and affirmed my belief that God dwells within each of us. When we band together the results are awesome!
I never made it to the theater but I was satisfied in a way I cannot describe. My big show was on the junk pile that once sat behind the Habitat house. You all blessed me richly by showing God’s love unconditionally.
A humble servant,
Linda Mercer (Gibbon, Nebraska)”
Add comment October 5, 2009
Condemned Houses a Growing Problem in North Omaha
Habitat Supporters,
Habitat is about helping individual families achieve the dream of homeowership – but just as important, we are about rebuilding communities.
I was reminded of the needs that our community is facing when doing some research on the number of condemned houses in Omaha. According to the City Planning Department, there are more than 4,200 condemned houses or houses with code violations in Omaha. Condemned houses are deemed to be unsafe for occupancy and are therefore vacant. Of those, 671 have been sent demolition orders. A house that moves from the condemned list to the demolition list is a house that probably needs to be torn down – it is unsafe structurally, has had a fire or is unable to be renovated for some other reason. Unfortunately, depending on the available budget only 15-25 of these homes can be torn down in a given year leaving us with a growing problem.
I feel a huge sense of urgency when thinking about these large numbers. There are more than 1,700 condemned houses in North Omaha (in the zip codes of 68110 and 68111 the number of condemned houses has grown by 25% in the past two years). Many of these houses can be saved – but not if they sit vacant for more than a year or two. The economy is quickly deteriorating the housing stock in North Omaha because all investment is dried-up (house flippers appear to have disappeared!). Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is committed to continuing our work renovating houses as well as replacing roofs for owner-occupied properties. These efforts are both reactive and proactive: we revitalize house that have been condemned and fix-up homes before they deteriorate.
I hope you will continue to help us in our mission through volunteering or by making a donation. We are also seeking donated houses that can be fixed-up. One day we hope to start a demolition program so that we can play an even bigger role in helping to take care of the growing number of houses on the demolition list and so that we can accept a larger variety of donated houses.
Habitat is a grassroots organization that exists because the people of Omaha want to make a difference. If you can think of solutions to the above problems, I would love to hear them. Together, we can address this issue.
Amanda Jedlicka
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
Add comment September 21, 2009
Habitat Omaha to Benefit from Grant
Centris Federal Credit Union in Omaha Receives $25,000 Grant
Award from FHLBank Topeka will help fund an affordable housing and job training program
Omaha, Neb. – Centris Credit Union in Omaha, Neb., has been awarded a $25,000 business development grant to fund a job training and education project for the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha ReStore and job training program. FHLBank, a wholesale financial institution of which Centris Federal Credit Union is a member, awarded the grant through its Joint Opportunities for Building Success (JOBS) program. JOBS helps financial institutions throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma promote jobs and economic growth in their communities.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened in November 2000 and sells new and used building materials to the general public at a large discount allowing community members of all incomes to make necessary upgrades and repairs to their homes. Revenues from the store help fund the construction of three additional Habitat for Humanity homes each year.
Another division of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, the job training program, provides educational services to community members searching for jobs. Out of an estimated 150 people who participate in the program each year, 40 enter the work force following the program, a number that is continually rising.
JOBS funds will go toward the continued work and success of both of these programs.
FHLBank Topeka is one of 12 wholesale banks nationwide that provide liquidity and various programs that help community financial institutions meet the residential housing finance and economic development needs of their communities. FHLBank Topeka serves more than 870 members throughout Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
Add comment August 7, 2009
YP volleyball tournament raises more than $1,000
A volleyball tournament organized by the Habitat Young Professionals group on Saturday drew 15 teams and raised more than $1,000. This was a tremendous success! Special thanks go to Conan Heelan for organizing the event, to Ann Sullivan for making the plaques and keeping score, and to Micaela Kubik for designing the promotional flyers.
And of course, thank you to all the teams that played in the first-ever Habitat YP fundraiser! Enjoy the photo album below or check out the pictures at our Picasa site.
Add comment July 30, 2009
