Volunteers sought for home builders
by Long Yangyingxong, reporter

    Fort Worth Area Habitat for Humanity (FWAHFH) invites the public to volunteer in providing affordable housing to low-income families.

   Dixie Fisher, volunteer coordinator, said, “It’s important that people volunteer because it helps provide the homeowner with an interest-free mortgage.”

   Affordable homes are made possible by sponsorships, donations and volunteer help. No public funds are used to build the homes.

   Homeowners do not receive a free house but must contribute 300 hours of “sweat equity” toward the construction of their home. They work alongside volunteers to complete the job.

   Individuals interested in volunteering must fill out an application and go through orientation.

   The application can be filled out online and submitted electronically or mailed.

   A waiver must also be signed at orientation.

   During orientation on the second Saturday of every month, volunteers learn more about FWAHFH and current volunteer jobs.

   Individuals can also visit a house currently under construction or near completion, Fisher said.

   “People do not need experience to volunteer for FWAHFH,” she said.

   The more people know, the more specific their volunteer task will be, Fisher said.

   Because of the Texas climate, Habitat for Humanity builds houses mainly in the spring and fall. During the hot summer months, volunteers can work in the Habitat for Humanity Restore or help out with administrative duties at the Habitat office.

   The Restore sells donated and used household and building materials. People can save money on items that would normally cost more at other home-improvement stores.

   Other volunteer opportunities include working on a deconstruction site, where individuals tear down and take out materials that can be sold or reused.

   Fisher suggests people wear comfortable clothes when working on a construction site. Blue jeans and proper shoes are usually the proper attire.

   Not only do volunteers gain experience in construction, but they also feel the satisfaction that they helped build a house for someone in need, Fisher said.

   Since 1989, FWAHFH has built more than 100 houses in Fort Worth and continues to help the community and individuals as well.

   The Habitat for Humanity Restore, located at 3420 S. Grove St., is open Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 p.m. and Sunday 9-5 p.m.

   For more details, call 817-920-9203.

   For more information about FWAHFH, contact Fisher at 817-926-9219 or visit www.fwhabitat.org.

   “Volunteering helps someone to help themselves; it’s a hands-up not a hands-down and that’s what Habitat for Humanity is all about,” she said.