With the anniversary of Sept. 11 and the patriotism and unity it brought fresh in the country's minds and hearts, this Saturday is an opportunity for Red Raiders and the citizens of Lubbock to give back to their community.
This opportunity is one well-known- the Lubbock Habitat for Humanity, which is having its first Build Blitz Saturday at the 500 block of North Avenue U.
Lubbock Habitat for Humanity has been building houses for the less fortunate citizens of Lubbock for the past 16 years. In those years, Habitat has built 80 homes; this year they plan to build a playground in the subdivision of North Lubbock, the area where the homes are built.
Lane Arnold, the Civic Involvement Coordinator for the Lubbock Habitat for Humanity, said Habitat would be building seven houses this year.
"We are building seven houses from ground up and hopefully will be able to finish two of those houses within a week and the rest of the houses by the middle of October," Arnold said.
Arnold said the production of each house cost $40 per square foot and the total cost averages $40,000 per house.
"Local companies sponsor the building of each house to help with the cost. United Methodist Church and Wells Fargo will be sponsoring one of the houses that is being built this year," Arnold said.
Lubbock Habitat for Humanity chooses families to build homes for based upon a system called the "Three Criterion," Arnold said.
"The criteria is based upon need, ability to pay a mortgage and the willingness to take part in the building of their home," he said.
After the home is built the owners have to be able to afford a mortgage and the upkeep of the house, Arnold said.
Arnold said he takes great pride in the rewards he receives from his job.
"It is so satisfying to see the how positive contributions can influence and touch people," he said. "The results are phenomenal because people are not just giving their money, they are putting their time into something and they get to see the end result."
Celia Hernandez, a speech pathology major from Fort Worth, worked for the Lubbock Habitat for Humanity this summer, earning community service hours.
"There are so many things that go on behind the scenes. It made me very humble and appreciate what I have," she said.
"People who are in dire need wait for donations from people that don't even have to donate," Hernandez said.
Jon Mallory, executive director of the Lubbock Habitat for Humanity, believes those involved with the organization will feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction.
"The satisfaction people, myself included, get in making such a difference for folks who never had any hope of owning a home is tremendous," Mallory said.
Mallory also thinks the experience is just as special and satisfying for the families receiving the home.
"It is a once in a lifetime experience for the families because they are helping to build the home they will live in and it gives them pride and also skills that they can use in the future," he said.
South Plains Islamic Center and Cumberland Presbyterian Church sponsored the building of a home called the "House of Abraham" on September 11 of last year.
"We had a moment of silence to remember September 11, and after the silence was over members of the different churches hugged each other, it was extremely moving," he said.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at the build, which starts at 7 a.m., and lasts until 9 p.m. If you are interested in participating in Lubbock Habitat for Humanity you can contact them at (806) 763-4663.
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