Generations come together to build in Battle Creek

Gary Akin came to Michigan for two reasons: to help with the Jimmy Carter Work Project and to see his grandchildren. Gary lives in Houston, Texas; they live in Lansing, Mich. But they are spending this week together in Battle Creek, Mich., building homes with families in need of housing.

A family affair: Gray Bancroft, Gary Akin and Erin Heeney take a break for a picture at the Battle Creek work site.

Erin Heeney and Gray Bancroft are staying with their grandfather in an RV parked at the local Habitat facility. “We are having fun, and it feels good to be helping the community,” says Gray.

Gary is active at home with a Houston Habitat affiliate. “This is great. I am spending time with my grandchildren and helping Habitat build homes,” he says with a smile.