At a 2006 Community of Christ Habitat build, volunteers from the Cornerstone congregation (Independence, Missouri), including Ben MacDonald (front), raised the walls alongside the homewoner. Photo by Shirley MacDonald

World Conference Habitat for Humanity Build

Throughout our history, the church has emphasized the importance of building community. During the 2007 World Conference, we will take an opportunity to do that in a very tangible way by helping solve the housing problems of one Independence, Missouri, family.
World Conference volunteers will build a new Habitat for Humanity home just five blocks from International Headquarters for mother/grandmother Iris Hubbard and three children. The $50,000 sponsorship of the build is being covered with $15,000 from the Oblation Fund and $35,000 from World Conference offerings.

Beginning on Friday, March 23, Community of Christ crews will don hard hats and tool belts and begin construction. Shuttles will run crews back and forth between the home site at 725 North Crysler and the Auditorium. Delegates and guests are invited to help with construction during the following times:

• Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24
  8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Monday–Saturday, March 26–30
  8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and noon–4:00 p.m. (nondelegates)
  Noon–2:00 p.m. (delegates)

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There are options to volunteer for multiple shifts and to use your own transportation.
To sign up during World Conference, visit the Habitat booth next to the World Conference registration booth, Auditorium lower level. To get on the list early, contact Amy Lingo at Habitat at (816) 461-6551.
The goal is for World Conference crews to frame up the entire 1,092-square-foot house and get it “in the dry” from March 23 to 31. This process typically takes about six weeks, but it is being made possible “because of the amazing workforce that will be in town,” said Habitat executive director Gina Elkins. Also supporting the enthusiastic Community of Christ volunteers will be contractors who will do specialized projects during late-night hours.

Gina is hopeful that this exposure to Habitat will encourage people to “go back to their communities and volunteer with Habitat.” This international organization has affiliates in every country where Community of Christ is established. Visit www.Habitat.org to search for your local affiliate.
Come be part of this experience—celebrate community with your sisters and brothers from around the world during Conference; experience teamwork with old and new friends on volunteer crews; and create a place to call home for a family in need.—Kendra Friend reporting