Habitat Omaha Team Gives Back in Memphis

Participating in the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project had been on Lucy Shepard’s ‘Bucket List’ ever since she first heard about it over 25 years ago.

“I always wanted to do a Carter Build and I was so glad when Mona [McGregor] got picked and the other three decided to go. I was just thrilled,” she said.

Mona McGregor, a Construction Supervisor at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, was selected to oversee one of 19 homes built during the 33rd Carter Work Project in Memphis, TN. In Omaha, she’s charged with renovating homes and Lucy volunteers with her on two of them, the Tuesday Crew and Women Build. The other three women, Norma, Ro and Alex also volunteer regularly on the Women Build, sometimes referring to themselves as “Mona’s Minions.”

The first day “everyone just pitched in” remembers Lucy. One member of their group was a lawyer with absolutely no experience but “she still did her bit,” notes Lucy, adding how much fun it is to see people “just jump in and do it.”

On the second day, their group of approximately 20 took a few minutes to get acquainted, forming a circle and sharing a little about themselves. When they found out one woman was celebrating her birthday, they serenaded her with a quick rendition of happy birthday before getting to work.

Getting started early was important because the heat index got up to 108 degrees. Work usually stopped around 2:30 p.m., giving them time to get cleaned up before taking a trolley downtown to sample some of the local cuisine and check out some of the sights.

Future homeowner Calandra worked beside them every day, arriving in the mornings after working overnight as a security guard.

By far the most memorable part of the week was Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, who worked on site every day.
“He looked good and they worked as hard as we did,” commented Lucy, marveling at their stamina. Carter, 91 at the time, was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and has since completed treatment.

The Carters recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and are looking forward to the 34th Carter Work Project in Canada.

Special thanks to Lucy, Mona, Norma, Ro, Alex and Habitat Omaha’s Construction Superintendent Drew Leir, Construction Supervisor Kris Minckler, and Sr. Construction Supervisor Mike Yacup for their hard work during the Carter Work Project in Memphis as well their efforts here at Habitat Omaha. Most members of the group are pictured above with President and Mrs. Carter.

Read more about the 33rd Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project at:habitat.org/cwp/2016/forming-a-circle-forming-a-communityhabitat.org/cwp/2016/checking-in-with-calandra