Paterson Habitat for Humanity

In late August, we welcomed a team of friends, the Paterson Habitat for Humanity affiliate that has supported our program over the last five years with tithes from their local revenues. Fulfilling the dreams of both organizations, a team of 14 volunteers arrived in Buenos Aires to spend a week of construction in La Matanza, Buenos Aires. As an affiliate, before the trip, they made a commitment to raise funds financing three Seed Houses, one of which they helped build in their week in Buenos Aires. The leaders of the team were Barbara Dunn, executive director of the affiliate, and Donna Brightman, president of the board of directors.

The volunteers performed 490 hours of volunteer work in various jobs. In Claudia’s Seed House (financed by Paterson), the team worked on the foundation, floors, and entryway; they also erected and prepared the frame, dug wells for water pipes, and cut and bent rebar for the whole structure of the house. In Antonia’s and Graciela’s houses, where improvements were made, the volunteers plastered the dining room and bedrooms, as well as prepared the floors.

Additionally, the team toured the neighborhood of La Boca, getting to know the Recycling Homes project and sharing similar experiences form their city. It was a real treat to share stories and lessons learned between sister organizations, united by our fraternal bond of tithing.

Many thanks to Paterson Habitat for Humanity for their continued commitment to HPHA!