1727 Walden Lane SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55902 (507) 282-5209
Home › Sections › Social Justice › Poverty Task Group

Habitat for Humanity 2010 Interfaith Home Build

What is an Interfaith Build?

An Interfaith Build is an opportunity for faith communities to join together for the common purpose of building a simple, decent, affordable home in partnership with a family in need. Participating faith communities help raise money & provide volunteer labor to build a house along with the partner family.

Our UU Program Council, Social Justice Council and the Poverty Task Group have accepted an invitation from Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity to participate with 25 other faith communities in an Interfaith Home Build.

What are the benefits to the faith community?

An Interfaith Build has the potential to build harmony and understanding among different faith communities. In a world where our differences often tear us apart, this allows us to concentrate on our similarities & create something truly special. An Interfaith Build project provides a local service opportunity that calls people to reach out to the community and to put their faith in action. Participating faith communities experience revitalization, as members come together for a hands-on project that offers time for team building and fellowship.

What has been accomplished thus far? What is the time line?

A lot has been purchased on Eastwood Drive SE. A Somali family has been selected. Guled and Saido have 7 children ages 2 - 18; Saido's mother will also live with the family. .  Guled works at IBM in manufacturing.  When Habitat discussed the Interfaith build with him, he shared that he leads an assembly line group at IBM that includes Somalis, Cambodians, Sudanese, Eastern Europeans, Hispanics as well as Caucasians - so he "lives" interfaith in a way every work day. A tentative Interfaith Build Construction Schedule is posted on a clipboard in the Commons.

Mark your calendars: Groundbreaking has been set for Monday, June 21, 2010 on the Summer Solstice.   Wall Raising August 2010   Dedication January 2011

How can you become involved?

  • Keep checking this website for the latest information.
  • Read the monthly Venture & the weekly bulletin.
  • Contact a UU Habitat Committee Member:  Jeanne and Jay Hoecker, Kim Banz or John and Sandy MacLaughlin.
  • Monthly: attend a Community Wide Committee meeting - next meeting - March 9  5:15  MN School of Business off HGY 52N at the 55th Stree exit RAHH Office
  • Sign up with Kim Banz to participate on a UU Summer & Fall work team.  Teams will work either 3 or 6 hour shifts T, TH or SA once construction starts. We will be paired with other faith communities.
  • Watch for signs of spring! UU Artist Karin Lindsay has graciously offered to donate $$ from the sale of her birds to Habitat Interfaith Build.
  • Spring 2010 Create a stained glass window with Mike & Stephanie P.  Five UUs have signed up - 4 slots are open.
  • Tour de Habitat UU Team (Jay H., Jerry K., Joe L., Niki/Conrad S., Jeff S. and Bob L.)  Individual Rider - Jeanne H. Come cheer on our UU Bikers April 1:00-2:30 - team event; 3:00 - 1:00 pm - individual event.  Rochester Athlectic Club/RAC
  • "A Taste of Faith"  May 1st., 1:00 - 3:00 pm Open House - Meet the Somali family who will be working with us to build their Interfaith Habitat Home- Clipboards for sign up to attend and/or donate and ethnic appetizers, beverages or desserts for tasting will be available in April.

How much $$$ has been raised to date?  $1372.95  UU Goal $5000.00

$ Gift Wrapping                              $259.00

$ Share the Plate                           $414.00

$ Silent Auction House Pins              $ 84.00

$  Hammering Contest                    $ 51.00

$ Stud Signing                                $434.50

$ RE Nickels for Nails                       $130.45

 

For more information about Rochester Area Habitat for Humanity go to www.rahh.org