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| These volunteers from Korea left an impact on Habitat homeowners during the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2003 in Valdosta, Ga. |
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by Shawn Reeves
After two decades of involvement with Habitat for Humanity, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will extend his commitment to low-cost housing by leading the annual Jimmy Carter Work Project Oct. 24-29 in Mexico. The event will take place in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico, as some 4,000 volunteers from around the world build 150 houses in partnership with local families in need.
Since 1987, when Habitat began working in Mexico, 19 Habitat affiliates have built more than 13,000 houses at a cost of about US$6,500 each. Still, the need is tremendous.
Mexico has a population of 100 million. About 40 percent of the people live in poverty, and children often find themselves working on the street to supplement what meager incomes their parents earn.
Fortunately, families throughout the country are finding hope and opportunity through their partnerships with Habitat for Humanity. As they build, buy and move into their block houses--for which they pay between US$70 and US$80 per month--they leave behind some of the burdens and hardships of deplorable living conditions.
Volunteers are needed for this year's event, so there's a space for you--and an opportunity to make a difference. To reserve your spot or for more information about this year's project, please contact Rita Clemens, JCWP registrar, at (800) 422-4828, Ext. 2272, or via e-mail at rclemens@hfhi.org. Registration opens in March.
You also can visit www.habitat.org/jcwp/2004/ to sign up for e-mail updates about project plans, registration and more.
