In the past three weeks alone we’ve dedicated 14 Habitat Omaha homes. Gathering together, we blessed the houses, handing over keys to first-time homeowners who inspire us with their dedication to creating a brighter future for themselves and a stronger community for us all.
Our Global Village team had the opportunity to work alongside several fun-loving, dedicated staff members from Habitat El Salvador’s construction crew. Our group of twelve hauled over 150 wheelbarrows of dirt and sand uphill to mix it by hand with cement for the floors of the home. The work was strenuous and the conditions were steamy, but the week flew by.
Jared first came in contact with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as an AmeriCorps NCCC member. He joined the team-based community service program in 2017 to explore the world outside his hometown of Omaha, which, coincidentally, happened to be the location of his first project. When his time with NCCC came to an end, Jared decided to reconnect with his Habitat Omaha friends. Jared is now a full-time staff member at Habitat Omaha, in the role of Volunteer Services Coordinator.
The sound of hammers and saws fills the air this week at the Home Builders Blitz as professional builders, volunteers, and Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff work to erect nine houses on a single block. One street over, volunteers from St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church are giving their time to build another home that will soon be purchased by a local family.
Deb Schmadeke, a former marketing coordinator for a local nonprofit and special education teacher, first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha through her church, but didn’t begin volunteering with the organization until her friend and Habitat Omaha staff member, Kathy Wells, encouraged her to get involved.
Patrick Kinchler is the Supply Chain Director at SouthernCarlson. “My experience with Habitat Omaha specifically has been within the hospitality house for the Builders Blitz; just being a part of it and providing sponsorship of those that put in the real work is a very satisfying feeling.”
Kristin Larsen is a Project Engineer for The Weitz Company. This Builders Blitz volunteer first learned about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in high school but didn’t become involved with the organization until she started working for Weitz and got involved with Habitat Omaha’s Builders Blitz.
Sam Howe is a project engineer with MCL Construction. He first came in contact with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as a volunteer while he was a student at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Sam has resided in Papillion since he was 5 years old, when his dad accepted a position here in Omaha.
Grady Hastings—a Senior Project Engineer at JE Dunn Construction—was born and raised in Ralston. He first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as a student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Hunter VanDolah, a student at Creighton University, first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha through fellow students and the school’s local volunteer opportunities. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Hunter came to Omaha to attend Creighton. He is currently a full-time student studying biochemistry.