An ecumenical Christian ministry, Habitat for Humanity provides the life-changing opportunity for people to own affordable quality homes. Habitat family members participate in learning about home ownership and then invest “sweat equity” as they work alongside the volunteers. They too are gaining new skills, and they are also acquiring the dignity of seeing what their own work has achieved and an appreciation for the belief in them exhibited by the commitment of so many volunteers. 
    This year’s build by West End United Methodist Church is the 15th consecutive year (plus one earlier) that the congregation has worked together—volunteering and fundraising—to build a home. Typically, more than 50 members, like Bill Farris, volunteer.  Additionally, other church members, usually through Sunday school classes, provide lunches for the eight days of construction. Sign up for this year’s build will be in Reed Hall in August. The tasks are listed with the dates, so volunteers can choose what suits them best. 
    Our church partners with other United Methodist churches for supplying both volunteers and the funds needed for the construction. WEUMC needs to raise $20,000 this year toward the cost of the house, and recently, we’ve been able to give another $800 as a housewarming gift for a washer and dryer for the family. Fundraising for our share of the build has begun already.