Magic in Merced

There was something magical going on in Merced this weekend...somewhere on 11th Street some humble and kind men are turning a pile of lumber into a home for a family.

They have a quiet presence, working diligently and in perfect harmony with each other...

Their hands are always busy...

and their tools are rarely idle...

and their hearts are in the right place....turning these supplies into something that shelters and protects a family's life.

It is quite an amazing and inspiring thing to watch men who are capable of creating something of such importance out of almost nothing. 

The saying goes...'many hands make light work' - and today on the job site there were definitely many hands.  All working together, all moving towards the common goal of getting a family into a home of their own.

They work high above the ground as if it were nothing...

Making sure everything is just as it should be - each board secure and stable so this house may stand for many years.

These are men who use these tools each and every day, and are still willing to give of themselves to make sure that others have what they need.

This build is made possible by Habitat for Humanity....

and continues to be possible because of people like the Mennonite men that came out this weekend, and the wonderful ladies who brought them lunch, and the board members who donate their time, and the many other volunteers who believe that putting families into homes makes the world a better place.

Today is a good day....a home was started...a family will have a place to build their life...many good people are making sure of that.

I would like to thank my dad, Lyle Allen, for making us aware of Habitat for Humanity - he shows us in many ways what it means to think of and do for others.  He is coordinating this build along with the job mascot, Willie!

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God's people in need, by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which God's people can live and grow into all that God intended.

 

If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation please go here:

http://www.hfhmerced.org/

Habitat makes good use of all it's donations...(time and dollars!) here is something that will give you an idea of what goes into each house:

• Living room @ 256 sq. ft.              $15,360.00
• Kitchen        @ 120 sq. ft.                   7,200.00
• Master bedroom @ 150 sq. ft.            9,000.00
• Bedroom @ 84 sq. ft.                          5,022.00
• Bedroom @ 93 sq. ft.                          5,580.00
• Master bath @ 70 sq. ft.                      4,200.00
• Bath no. 2 @ 40 sq. ft.                        2,400.00
• Hallways and closets                           6,300.00
• Garage  @ 315 sq. ft.                          7,875.00
• Front porch @ 40 sq. ft.                      1,000.00
• Back patio @ 40 sq. ft.                        1,000.00

For a grand total of                                   $64,937.00

Now keep in mind that this cost doesn't include any labor...because the entire build is done with volunteers!   So, if you have some spare time or a few spare pennies...direct them towards the Merced Habitat for Humanity and my dad will personally make sure that you or your pennies are put to good use!

                                       When one helps another,
                                              both are strong.
                                                                 German Proverb


xoxo    Elizabeth