We Made a Difference as Big as a House
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-07-01 14:49:00-04:00
AARP Delaware and Habitat for Humanity's National Service Day
Our members tell us "home sweet home" is where they want to spend their retirement. But for some, the "American Dream" of owning a home has been just that—a dream.
But for five families in Wilmington, Habitat for Humanity is about to turn that dream into a reality.
On May 13, AARP Delaware's volunteers joined forces with Habitat in wielding hammers and staple guns to help fulfill those dreams for the folks who are patiently waiting to move into their homes.
Armed with AARP Delaware hardhats and safety glasses, the 50 volunteers tackled electrical, insulation, framing and siding projects throughout the five properties under construction by Habitat on Wilmington's North Claymont Street.
Representatives from the Concord, Dover, Hockessin, Long Neck, Newark and South Coastal Chapters joined forces with representatives from Delaware's AARP Driver Safety Program, AARP Delaware's executive council and state office staff to make a big difference in the completion status of each of the five houses.
Former AARP Delaware volunteer and current AARP Board of Directors member Dick Johnson joined in the fun with a bird's eye view of the activities from the scaffolding of one of the homes. A roaring cheer from all signaled the completion of the siding project by Dick's team as he placed the final strip in the eave of the home. (That's why Dick missed out on being in the group picture.)
Habitat for Humanity's mission is to build affordable housing at no profit through a combination of volunteer labor, "sweat equity" and no-interest mortgages. Working with organizations like AARP Delaware, Habitat for Humanity strives to not only raise walls, but to raise hope—developing and empowering individuals and communities through simple, decent homes.
For the past year, AARP Delaware has been building awareness about the importance of aging in place in your own home through AARP's "Issues & Answers Series—Protecting Your Home Investment" and through our free training on predatory mortgage lending for Delaware's legal community.
We will continue our efforts this fall with a second "Issues & Answer Series" on home modifications and universal design, Nov. 16-18.
So, in our own way, we will continue to make a difference as big as a house, even beyond this year's National Day of Service activity.
Check back later for more details about our upcoming "AARP Issues & Answers Series."
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