Many people are unaware that Morris Habitat for Humanity has expanded their building goals for new affordable housing and that construction continues all winter long. Volunteers, whether individuals, company or religious groups are always a welcome addition to the crews and no experience is necessary. Trained construction team leaders walk newcomers through even the simplest tasks.
Just ask the more than 45 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics employees and family members from Flanders, New Jersey who recently assisted Habitat for Humanity in building a house for a local family in need. The group went out three different times to the Hatakawana site in Mount Olive and one of those days they shared the work with a large group of employees from NY Life.
Over the course of three Saturdays, employee crews spackled basement walls, planted grass seed, cut away large bushes to add space to the yard, installed structural reinforcements for shelves, assisted with electrical work, prepped the grounds for a shed and then framed it, and built a back patio, including the pouring of concrete to finish it.
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According to Sharon Spina, Senior Administrative Assistant at Siemens’ Flanders site, employees worked so hard that the Morris Habitat foremen often noted that more work was completed than they expected. ”Within five minutes after my email was sent out calling for volunteers, fifteen people had responded with their interest,” Spina said and then added, “I was shocked with how quickly the Flanders employees jumped at the opportunity to help their neighbors.”
Indeed, participating employees said they felt a great sense of accomplishment by helping a local family in need. They also said that they learned a great deal about the spirit of their fellow employees and their families. “Most of all, the employees that participated learned that there are many good, generous, hardworking people in the world and many of them work here in Flanders,” said Jeff Antonucci, Senior Manager of Facilities at Siemens.
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So, if you are interested in helping at a construction site, come on your own, or better yet get together a group of people to come for a day or more! Currently buildings are being constructed at two locations in Mount Olive (exterior is complete, insulation is currently underway at one and foundation work is continuing at the other) and Strictland Place in Madison (foundation work for three homes is being performed now.)
Volunteer orientation sessions are held regularly at the Morris Habitat Office in Randolph. If you are representing a group only one individual can attend. To find out the next session go to www.morrrishabitat.org or contact Stephanie.Buonarota@morrishabitat.org.
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About Morris Habitat for Humanity
Morris Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing agency dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in partnership with families in need. Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 254 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. In addition, proceeds from our ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 8 homes and diverted over 3,000 tons of useable material out of landfills. For more information about Morris Habitat call 973-891-1934 or visit www.morrishabitat.org. To learn about the ReStore call 973-366-3358 or go to www.morrishabitat.org and follow the ReStore link.
About Morris Habitat ReStore
Operated by Morris Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore sells donated building supplies and furnishings at huge savings off normal retail costs. Proceeds from the store have funded the construction of 8houses since 2007 and kept over 3,000 tons from landfills . Information on donating, volunteering, or any other aspect of the ReStore can be found on its website at www.morrisrestore.org or by calling (973) 366-3358.
Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph, NJ 07869, the ReStore is open Wednesday-Friday 10-6, (beginning January 3) Thursday night until 8pm. Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-5. Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pick-up. Donations are tax-deductible.
About Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, a global leader in clinical diagnostics, provides healthcare professionals in hospital, reference, and physician office laboratories and point-of-care settings with the vital information required to accurately diagnose, treat, and monitor patients. Our innovative portfolio of performance-driven solutions and personalized customer care combine to streamline workflow, enhance operational efficiency, and support improved patient outcomes. www.siemens.com/diagnostics
