Sweat, 'Red Shirts' drive Habitat for Humanity of Green County

What we do: Build modest homes for low-income working families. These homes are not free; they have no-interest mortgages and are priced so families can afford them. The family is also required to help with the build providing 350 hours "sweat equity." Sweat equity could be actual building or providing lunches for the volunteers.

We also do repair projects and home repairs for seniors, disabled and low income families. Again these services are not free. The cost to the homeowners is based on their income, not the cost of the project. Normally they cost $50 to $200. Again, sweat equity is required based on their physical ability.

Resale store: The store is stocked with donations of tools, building materials, doors and windows, appliances, vanities, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, toilets, medicine cabinets, showers and whirl pool tubs.

Our organization: Our organization is comprised of a president, treasurer,

secretary and nine board members, all of whom are volunteers. We also have construction and project volunteers.

We have a core group of volunteers who make themselves available for all of our builds and repair projects. They are our "Red Shirts" who are familiar with construction. Yes, they wear a Habitat Red shirt. When higher skills are required, we hire a contractor to run the project.

The third part of our organization is the operation of the resale store, located at 1001 30th St. in Monroe. The store has a manager who is our only part-time paid employee. The staff is made up of volunteers, ranging from retired people to high school students on the weekends. All the money made from the store goes to funding our builds and projects.

What volunteers do for us: The volunteers are Habitat for Humanity of Green County. They are the officers and the board of directors. They pound the nails, install the windows and doors - they build the homes. They build ramps, build new stairs, paint, replace stepping stones with a paving stone walkway to make it easier for a person with a walker, and add insulation to the bottom of trailer homes. They provide lunches for the volunteers. They do it all.

What we need: We need volunteers willing to serve on the board, help on committees, help out at the store, work on repair projects and later this year, help start building a new house. We need all skill levels of volunteers. We will show you how to do the work. It's fun and not that difficult. If you have a hammer, we need you. If you're a do-it-yourself or trades person, we really would appreciate your time and skills. The resale store needs volunteers and donations.

Contact info: Habitat for Humanity of Green County: P.O. Box 398, Monroe. 608-329-4024. Construction or project volunteering: admin@greencountyhabitat.org, Bill Balasia at 608-897-6134. Resale store: Contact Bobby, 1001 30th St., Monroe. store@ greencountyhabitat.com. 608-329-4024.