We built in Colorado Springs and Buena Vista. In Colorado Springs, we learned how to lay a foundation. Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity was very well staffed and we were able to work very efficiently. I was part of the steel crew, and learned how to both cut and hang steel. I used a whirlygig, which essentially allows you to hang rebar using metal ties. We were so efficient that day, that we completed the whole foundation. They didn't have any tasks for us the next day, so we only ended up building one day, instead of the two scheduled days. We spent the next day completing our Affordable Housing presentations, where everyone in the group put together a presentation on a relevant topics and spoke about it to the group.
In Buena Vista, we were divided into groups. Some went to a build site, others to the restore, and I went to the Habitat office. The organization was founded around 2000, and had only built 8 homes since their inception. We were able to teach them what we had learned about foundations in Colorado Springs, and help them complete and prepare the foundation for inspection. It was really neat for us to be the experts for once. I helped them move their office, packing up the first office, moving everything into the new office, and arranging it in a functional, organized space. We were fortunate to have some help from some prisoners, especially for carrying things like the granite counter up a flight of stairs. We also helped them troubleshoot volunteer recruitment and retention issues, and assisted with marketing and PR efforts. We handed out flyers for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser, where we presented on our trip, and spoke about the affordable housing cause.
Overall, I think we made a positive impact on Colorado's affordable housing organizations, and have raised tremendous awareness. Two members of our group were even offered internships at the Buena Vista Habitat for Humanity.
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