Photo courtesy Cindi GalabotaBy Cindi Galabota
Special to The SUN
The week of Oct. 6-12 is busy and exciting for thousands of Habitat for Humanity volunteers across the state of Colorado, as they build more than 50 homes in honor of President Jimmy Carter and World Habitat Day.
World Habitat Day, which was this past Monday, has been recognized by the United Nations and the international community since 1985. It is a time to reflect on the current housing crisis worldwide and to build a stronger future for the human habitat. With 1.6 billion people living in inadequate shelter around the world, Habitat for Humanity raised its voice on World Habitat Day and throughout the week to emphasize the importance of simple, decent housing, for all.
Throughout the state, affiliates are celebrating World Habitat Day and building alongside HfH of Metro Denver in celebration of the Carter Work Project (CWP). The impact affiliates are making is described as a “1-2-3 equation,” meaning for each family served in Denver during the CWP, two will be served across the state, and three will be served worldwide through the tithe.
“As we look around at the devastation caused by the floods, we realize that it is more important than ever that every person have a safe and decent place to live,” said Stefka Fanchi, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Colorado. “Habitat for Humanity stands ready to help rebuild Colorado, and it starts with the belief that we can all be a part of the solution to poverty housing.”
On Monday, Oct. 7, in recognition of World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County hosted a Faith In Action Build Day. Several volunteers from local churches spent the morning pounding nails alongside Sarah Martinez, partner for the 24th Habitat house being built in Archuleta County. The Faith Leaders enjoyed lunch donated by Subway downtown and learned more about Habitat programs and how they can help pound out poverty right here in Archuleta County.
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built or repaired more than 600,000 houses worldwide, providing simple decent and affordable shelter for more than 3 million people. Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County has built 23 houses and completed nine Neighbors Helping Neighbors home repair projects, helping more than 125 people, mostly children, find or keep simple, decent, affordable housing. We are currently building our 24th Habitat house.
To learn more about how you can get involved with Habitat in Pagosa Springs, call 264-6960.
