Pitching in to build community…literally
Caregiver applauds benefits of working on Habitat project
How do you build a healthy community?
In this case, one 2x4 at a time.
As part of a Clark County Evergreen Habitat for Humanity project, staff from PeaceHealth, Providence and other local organizations are volunteering to work alongside a
Harley Farley, a credentialing specialist at PeaceHealth’s System Services Center, was on one of the work teams in early February. He was so impressed by the experience that he couldn’t help but share the joy of having this opportunity to serve.
“As I worked through the day, side-by-side with other caring and generous caregivers, it made me feel great to give back to someone who truly deserves a chance to be successful,” he said.
“I am only one person who does not have a lot of wealth to give, but I do have time to give and touch someone else’s life, to make an easier path for them to move forward.”
Volunteers on Habitat projects do not need prior construction experience. In fact, learning new skills made this opportunity even more meaningful. “What an experience it was to frame and stand-up the walls of the home!” He also noted that making new friends and special memories were an added bonus.
Farley plans to volunteer whenever possible and encourages others to do the same, if they can.
“You will not regret it,” he said. “It is very rewarding to make a difference in your community by making someone else’s life better.”
UPDATE: The home that Farley and nearly 70 other PeaceHealth caregivers helped construct was finished in August 2017. The Beltrans, a family of seven, planned to move into the home in September.
To learn more about Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, visit ehfh.org. Updates on current construction projects can be found there and on http://instagram.com/evergreenhabitat.
