Ontario Habitat for Humanity Project:

Miracle on 26th Street

In the early morning hours of July 15, 2000, saws buzzed and hammers pounded as enthusiastic volunteers embarked on the final stage of framing, enclosing, and completing a Habitat for Humanity house.

Members of the First Canadian Mission, Ontario, Canada, caught the vision of an RLDS Church-sponsored home during the 1997 Regional Conference. Shortly thereafter, the Owen Sound Congregation donated a portion of its church property for the project. The land was ideal for building a single-family Habitat for Humanity home. Congregations remained faithful to the joint commitment to raise $40,000 by participating in creative fundraising events.

Volunteers Dave Cottrell, John Black, Ruth Black,Mary Belrose, Mike Tettenborn, and Bishop Jim Poirier

Church members worked in partnership with the Grey Bruce Affiliate for over a year to plan all aspects of the project. More than fifty church members from across Ontario joined with community volunteers as committee chairs, project leaders, carpenters, framers, electricians, painters, food service workers and general support workers for the weeklong "building blitz." The team was blessed with an outpouring of community support, empowering fellowship, and (although storm clouds burst in communities all around us) beautiful weather.

This, the first RLDS Church-sponsored Habitat home in Canada, was a joyful and exciting experience. There was a true spirit of the "Community of Christ" as the young and elderly, skilled and unskilled, worked harmoniously together. One volunteer said, "It was a great experience. We accomplished more in one day than I could ever have imagined." This unique Habitat experience inspired many. Some were heard to say, "I had such a great time and I learned so much. It would be great to participate in the building of another Habitat for Humanity home." Another church member volunteer said, "I think what moved me most about participating in the RLDS-sponsored Habitat for Humanity build was being able to meet the three children of the family for and with whom we were building the house. I realized what a tremendous difference a decent, affordable home would make in their young lives now and in their future."

Ruth Black works on interior walls that have been signed by volunteers.

Bill and Sue Jones and their daughters Stacy, Charlene and Allison moved into their new home in August 2000. Our prayer is that the spirit of love and joy that built their home will abide within its walls to bring them peace for each new day and hope for a brighter future.

—by Ruth Black, Kitchener, Ontario