Tell us a story about your experience building a house!

Homeowner Stories

The Restoration Of The Family

A few years ago, John and Theresa Elrod experienced a crisis point in their lives. They'd had to give up their home after a spell of unemployment kept them from making payments. John went to live with his mother; Theresa and their teenagers lived with her mother. John found more work, but, with their history, it was difficult finding a place to live. Separated and frustrated, the family was running out of options.

They decided to apply for a Habitat house, just to see what would happen, and prepared themselves to wait. But after just three days, they were accepted, and a new phase of life began.

Scattered between different houses, the family was able to find common ground on the build site. Since the Elrod's "children" were ages 21, 19 and 17, they were able to participate in the construction of their house. Theresa looks back on the construction as a bonding time for the family.

"I'm scared of heights, but me and my daughter got on the roof and did the roofing," she

Since moving in in 2004, Theresa has gone back to school to study massage therapy, and her bedroom is proving to be a quiet sanctuary for studying. Their stucco house is nestled in a subdivision of more than 100 Habitat houses, and Theresa's best friend from junior high school lives across the street.

Perhaps most important, however, is the restoration of the family. "I think we would have gotten a divorce," Theresa says. "We were already separated, fighting all the time. I probably would have gone to Albuquerque, gotten an apartment and worked all the time." Now, back on a solid foundation, the future looks bright.

Volunteer Stories

"This Book has Replenished my Spirit"

Yesterday, I took Creating a Habitat for Humanity home, read it at the gym and a bit more before going to bed. I am enjoying so. This book is helping me clearly define my calling to VISTA and my service commitment. Initially, joining Americorps was meant to serve as a moment of transition from the intensely theoretical realm of my gated liberal arts college, back into the experiential world where I feel most confident and productive. I wanted desperately to spend each of my days making connections with people from my heart. I craved to put my faith into action.

I chose Baltimore. I packed my things and moved from New York City, said so long (again) to my wonderful family and home in Los Angeles. Today, I sit behind a desk at Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, joyfully a member of a brilliant team of activists doing God's work; encouraging others, giving them the tools and direction to do the same. This book has reminded me of just how vital, this attitude and sense of awareness is in creating a world through the vision of God.

Two days ago, I hit the six month point in my year of service; this book has replenished my spirit, and has reinstated my sense of purpose and will serve as a reference, not only for the completion of my term, but for the rest of my life.

Adrionna Fike
Youth and Faith Outreach Coordinator/ VISTA
Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity

'I like seeing them smile'

Will Howell is a crew leader on Habitat's 200,000th house.

Will Howell of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, likes the excitement of blitz builds. They have kept him coming back to volunteer for the past three years, but this one has an extra bonus--the chance to work with Habitat's milestone 200,000th family.

"I love being involved on the blitz day," he says. "I like swinging a hammer."

Will is a crew leader for this historic build, and he credits his crew and others on the site with getting the build off to such a great start on Saturday.

"They're phenomenal," he says. "We plowed through the interior walls and were up on the roof in no time!"

Will is one of many local volunteers who showed up ready to deepen the dent being put in poverty housing in Knoxville. His work is a celebration of the countless hours put in by volunteers over the years to bring Habitat to this milestone in its history. It is also part of the commitment to continue building until decent housing is a reality for everyone.

But the blessing for Will may be simpler than that. He's in it for the effect all this sweat and effort is having on the homeowners.

"I like seeing them smile."

To share a story email johnsonp@augsburgfortress.org