Mormon Missionaries
Mormon Missionaries Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
For Elder Smith, Sister D’Arc and Sister Hale hard work and service come naturally. All three dedicated months of volunteer work at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha to complete their Service Missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Meet Elder Smith:
Elder Smith, an Omaha native, chose Habitat Omaha as his service location due to his interest in the trades. He thought, “It would be a good opportunity to learn how to build houses.”
Smith’s construction experience began with studying to become an electrician at Metro Community College. He completed one year prior to volunteering, and he plans to resume after his mission is finished to earn his degree. He is confident his volunteer work with Habitat Omaha will help him find a job in the future.
Having served the longest of the three, Smith has learned a variety of skills. He has built decks, installed porch railings, and sided homes. Although he loves working outdoors and with his hands, his favorite parts of volunteering with Habitat Omaha come from the people he works with and the impact they have made together.
“Home dedications are one of my favorite things.” Smith says. “[Seeing] the impact we’ve had on people’s lives is the most memorable.”
As his mission came to an end, Smith reflected on the last two years, encouraging others to volunteer like he did.
“I would recommend it. [It’s] good work experience, a good environment and the people are always nice.”
Meet Sister D’Arc:
Sister D’Arc is excited about helping people in a unique way. This excitement brought her from Utah to Omaha to complete one year of her service mission.
“I thought it was a cool opportunity to get outside and be able to learn new skills.”
The months spent at Habitat Omaha have given her skills to build a house and spend time with people who enjoy serving like her. “Working hard and being able to lift each other up” are her favorite parts of volunteering.
“Being able to build things with your hands, meet people and help people” D’Arc explains makes Habitat Omaha “a unique opportunity.”
Meet Sister Hale:
Sister Hale grew up learning about Habitat Omaha and its impact from her dad long before she volunteered. While she wished she could volunteer when she was young, work or school always got in the way. But when the day came to choose her service location she knew exactly where she wanted to go, Habitat Omaha.
Hale volunteered with the siding crew. She had some construction experience previously from helping her dad with home projects but wanted to “learn more about the aspects of building a house.” She now has conquered her fear of ladders and learned what it takes to side a home.
At the end of each day, Hale’s favorite thing is to “look back at what [she] accomplished and say ‘Wow, that’s pretty’.” She is proud of the work she does and enjoys every day of volunteering.
Hale recommends volunteering with Habitat Omaha because “if you like to build and work with your hands, this is the best option out there.”
We are grateful to Elder Smith, Sister D’Arc and Sister Hale chose Habitat Omaha as part of their service journey. Their dedication has made a real difference—and they encourage others to get involved too.
Join them in making a difference by volunteering today! If you are interested in volunteering with Habitat Omaha click here!