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Charlotte, N.C., USA/El Salavador
A partnership of love and labor yields long-term results

The last day of an international building experience is usually emotional, and a group of Habitat volunteers from Charlotte, N.C., was finding tears close to the surface as they shared their favorite memories from their week in El Salvador over lunch. As they stood and formed a circle to pray, a local homeowner who had been sitting with the group accepted the proffered hands and joined them.

"We weren't really translating, but about a minute into the prayer, she just started sobbing," volunteer coordinator Beth Van Gorp recounts. "When it was over, she said even though she didn't know the words being said, she knew we were there in solidarity with them."

Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte's official association with El Salvador is a financial one; Charlotte sends money and volunteers to further Habitat's house-building ministry in various places within El Salvador. In practice, the relationship between the two organizations is far deeper, with benefits flowing both ways.

"Hopefully, the tithe relationship is not just one of donating money but more of a partnership," Van Gorp says. "They're a real inspiration to us because they're working under some difficult conditions, and they have a joyful and positive view of life. For our teams that go, it's a renewal of hope."

That hope, as well as enthusiasm and a can-do attitude, is both contagious and inspiring for the Salvadorans who work with Charlotte Habitat, as well. Ana María Montoya de Castro, coordinator of El Salvador Habitat's Santa Ana regional office, says, "When they come, they do not just build a house. There's a party, a piñata, we take them to the beach, make pupusas in my house. It's a relationship. They integrate themselves with other volunteers and with the families. These qualities have helped me maintain the vision of Habitat and that it is possible to reach the families who are poor."

Habitat Charlotte's sustained, long-term commitment has helped bring about a new perspective on how Habitat can most appropriately meet the housing needs of families in El Salvador. Traditionally, Habitat has worked to build houses with families who own land, but since obtaining clear title to a buildable plot of land is fraught with economic and bureaucratic hoops, many otherwise qualified families have fallen outside the scope of Habitat's work. However, by adopting a community development approach, Habitat can offer families the opportunity to purchase a home and the land under it in the context of a safe, healthful environment.

The Charlotte Model Community--so named because Habitat Charlotte raised funds for land and infrastructure over and above their tithe commitment--will offer more than 50 homes in El Salvador with potable water, electricity, sidewalks and street lights. A multi-purpose room will enable the community to gather as a whole, and a central park will provide children with a safe place to play--simple, basic amenities that will improve the quality of life for these families immeasurably.

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