St. Francis Builds, our 4-year-old program of building homes in Latin America through Habitat for Humanity, has entered a new phase – helping refurbish homes in our own community for new owners.

In this local Habitat for Humanity project, volunteers and new homeowners work side-by-side, helping to rehabilitate older homes that need total interior makeovers. Habitat has bought 10 of these homes in the Aspen Hill area, which will be professionally cleared of lead paint, asbestos and mold. Once that process is through, the families and volunteers – including those from St. Camillus – help with fixing them up.

The kitchens will be equipped with new cabinets and appliances. The walls and floors will be insulated and other strategies for environment-friendly housing will be used.

On June 6 two dozen parishioners spent the day helping get two older houses ready for new owners. On July 25, we’ll do it again, and we’ve already recruited a new team of 24 people for the project.  Our next build will be on August 29, 2009.  Since most of the work on that build will be painting, Habitat's normal requirement that participants have to be 18+ is waived and 16-17 year olds can sign up as well.  These builds can be a great way for children and parents of all ages to bond.  We’ll gather at St. Camillus in the morning, work through the day and return for a picnic, when we’ll spend a little time in reflection about what we did and why we did it. 

No construction skills are necessary. Each worksite typically has a range of jobs available, from some requiring a bit of muscle to those that can be done by those more suited to light work. Professionals employed by Habitat supervise the work. 

The donation we’re asking for is $50 per person and includes meals (except maybe for some side dishes) and materials such as hard hats, goggles, and all safety and work equipment are provided.  All you need are a pair of work gloves. 

The first two work groups filled up quickly and space is limited, so sign up now. A check for $50 made out to St. Camillus and marked for SFBuilds should be given to Ed Kelly or left at the friary when you sign up. For more information, contact Ed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

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