Volunteers make big impact with Habitat for Humanity

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A small team from here made a big impact with the construction of a new home in Rochester, New Hampshire, during a Habitat for Humanity volunteer project June 16.

Capt. Alexis Edwards, who organized the Company Grade Officer Council-led volunteer effort, spoke about the importance of giving back to the community where they serve.

“Habitat for Humanity is one of those really cool things where we are able to go out for the day and give back to those in the community who are in need,” she said. “It only takes your time and sweat equity and the benefits are significant for all involved.”

Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity is lead for the construction of the two-family duplex.

According to the organization’s website, they strive to strengthen families and communities by building and renovating simple, decent, safe and affordable homes.

The Hanscom volunteers, comprised mostly of members of the CGOC, spent the day hanging drywall in six rooms.

“It wasn’t just hanging full sheets of drywall,” said Capt. Justin Taylor, a volunteer and co-coordinator. “There were 45 degree angles, door frames and cutting out for pipes and outlet boxes. It was a fun day learning new skills while working with a great team of Airmen committed to making a difference in the lives of two families.”

In addition to the 13 volunteers, four members from Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity were on hand to oversee the work.

“It’s an interesting dynamic when a group of your peers come together to work on a project or skill they might not otherwise be familiar with,” said Edwards, who said that none of them had hung drywall before. “We started off a little slow, but with the guidance of Habitat for Humanity leaders, we really found our stride and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.”

Before finishing for the day, volunteers signed their names behind the drywall they were hanging.

“Even if no one ever sees our names, which are buried behind insulation and drywall, it’s just cool knowing that my name will be written there forever,” Taylor said. “It’s similar to a time capsule.”

According to Taylor, officials hope to have the two-family home completed later this year.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers typically help with framing, installing insulation, installing cabinets and closets, landscaping, painting, light cleaning, loading and unloading materials and more.

“There are so many great volunteer opportunities for Airmen to give their time to,” said Edwards. “Habitat for Humanity provides the physical and social benefits of service and purposeful connections to the community.”

Taylor, who works as an engineer on base, spoke about what this type of volunteer work meant for him.

“I enjoy when you get to physically put your hands on something and make a difference,” he said. “We do a lot of important things here at Hanscom with information systems and other work, but we seldom really get our hands on it because it’s all ones and zeros. This really was a rewarding experience.”

In addition to volunteering with the Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity chapter, the CGOC volunteers with the Greater Boston Food Bank and Boston Area Gleaners, an organization that provides fresh produce to local families in need.