Housing Development Alliance

I have already stated, multiple times, how great the Housing Development Alliance volunteer program is. But don't just take my word for it. Here are two interesting testimonials taken from some of our volunteers. You'd probably believe them more than you would me, right?

As Stephanie Visser tirelessly shovels dirt out of the foundations for a new home in the town of Defiance, she stops a second to catch her breath. She casually uses the back of her hand to wipe away the perspiration that has accumulated on her forehead. Stephanie makes a remark on the heat, and turns to look at her fellow Faith CRC volunteers. Their laughs are intermingled with heavy breathing, and they all gaze longingly at the shaded patch of lawn 30 feet away from them. Before picking up her shovel and digging again, Stephanie turns around and stands awe-struck at the natural beauty around her. "I love the scenery here, it's beautiful, you really don't see anything like this in Chicago," she says just as she buries the spade back into the earth.

For many, the scenery alone is worth the hard work. For others, it's about helping people.

Angie VanArnam came all the way down here from Michigan just so that she could help the Hazard community. "I was looking for an opportunity to serve God and people," Angie explains, "[and to] escape from all the stresses we imagine in our daily lives; to help someone in real poverty, and with real problems." Angie came as an individual looking for some volunteer work, but she enjoyed being an addition to Faith CRC. "As part of a team, we got a lot done." Angie had a lot of fun, and we're hoping to see her again really soon.

Well, it's pay-day, and we have the day off tomorrow, so I'm pretty excited. It's been a busy week. I'm going to nap like you've never seen before. Happy 4th of July, patriots!

And yes, I did over-romantacize Stephanie's story, but the statement is all true. Pardon my creative writing.