2010 Wrap-Up

Note from Barbara Dunn,
exec. director, Paterson Habitat for Humanity

"Thanks to Nancy DeVries for getting our February 2010 Mississippi story posted!

"It was encouraging to see the general progress all over Bay St Louis/Waveland despite the effects of the country's economic bad times (especially since they depend on tourists for much of their economy). The Bay/Waveland affiliate is building at an impressive 35-40 houses per year and has made a full commitment to green building. So this year, we didn't do any volunteer-installed insulating as professionals came to apply the spray insulation.

"Spread the word another crew will be going down to Bay/Waveland the last week of April and there are still spots open.

"For more information contact pat@patersonhabitat.org "

House dedication

When noon rolled around, Tyra Lewis arrived with her youngest of two daughters. This little one is an adorable two years old and can be seen here in her grandmother's arms.

Surrounded by Habitat workers, the Lewis family is excited about their new home and appreciative for everyone's involvement. Rewarding and satisfying work for the volunteers, we leave here after five days, knowing that this family has a bright opportunity ahead.

Week's end on Friday...

We never cease to be overjoyed that after five days of work, a real house emerges. This year was no exception as final jobs wrap up and the Lewis family's house and site get prepared for the dedication. With so many volunteers working, on the interior, all walls recieved one coat of primer and on the exterior, the siding got its second and final coat of green paint. The porch was finished off with beautiful white railings, and much more. Here are the views:

Teamwork gets it done!

All week, in very cold temps, work continues and without the annnoyances of previous times here:
nats, heat, and rain.

Work begins on Herlihy St.

On site this week the team from Paterson is sharing the building work with Americorp young people, Canadian college students, and several small family groups.

At times the site seems very busy with so many hands at work.

The house we are building is a single family, three-bedroom home, situated on a narrow lot. This is supposed to be the Gulf Coast, tropical weather and palm trees, but, Monday morning, that climate disappeared and left us to work in 28oF temps. By afternoon the sun had warmed the area to about 35, only nominally better but manageable. The walls had been raised, roof work begun and the painting of trim and ceiling wood progressing.

More pix: