Habitat for Humanity and Sheppard Airmen help construct homes for local residents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Intense heat rays attacked the cracked dirt as volunteers dug their tools into the sun-drenched ground. Sounds of machinery rang throughout the area as the noise of industry was an assault on the ear drums. In this place of productivity lie two houses and three families whose lives were to be irrevocably changed.

Sweat dripped from Airmen's brows, immediately soaking into the dry earth, as they partnered with Habitat for Humanity to construct houses for families in need July 13 in an ongoing effort to help the local residents of Wichita Falls.

"We couldn't do it without Sheppard, there's no way," said Martin Wade, Wichita Falls' Habitat for Humanity project manager. "It feels like these guys are a part of us."

More than five volunteers from Sheppard all felt like the community effort was something bigger than themselves and sets a good example for the local residents.

"People appreciate what we do but we also appreciate the community that supports us," said Tech. Sgt. Keith Wilson, acting superintendent of the 82nd Contracting Squadron.

Wilson believes being an Airman in the U.S. Air Force also means being a good steward of the community.

"I really enjoy giving a helping hand," he said. "It allows us to develop a good community relation."

While work was still being accomplished, three children eagerly stared out of the window of their soon-to-be new home, imagining the hours of fun they will have in their new yard. They watched as Airmen and civilians alike were hard at work as clouds of dust and debris surrounded their every move.
 
"They love it; they're ready to move in now" said Tava Williams, a new homeowner who brought her young cousin and two children. "Hard work pays off."

According to Habitat for Humanity, they are "a Christian ministry dedicated to providing safe, decent and affordable homes to families in need in our communities." They have laid foundations, raised walls and shingled roofs in the Wichita Falls community since 1992.

"Every house that is built here, Sheppard is an intricate part," Wade said. "It's fulfilling knowing there are people who want to help."

The houses they build, using mostly a volunteer force, are provided to people the organization believes lives in substandard or overcrowded housing. The houses, in their final stages of completion July 13, had volunteers working in the yard, setting up fencing and adding a few finishing touches. Wade feels helping others is important in any community and credits his faith as a key ingredient to making a difference in other people's lives.
 
"Working for God changes you spiritually," Wade said. "If you help people it shows the world is getting tighter-knit and refocused."

With the houses being built, he also feels the projects have lasting effects within the surrounding community. Before each volunteer receives a house, they have to go through financial training and help in the construction efforts of other recipients' homes before they work on theirs. Wade views this aspect of the program as encouraging self-sufficiency and project continuity.

"All of these people thought they would never have a house," he said. "We're giving a hand-up, not a hand-out. They're looking inside themselves."

Away from the beaming sun inside the houses themselves, where cool air wafted from room-to-room, a formal dedication ceremony officially dedicated the newly built domiciles to the families receiving the new homes, which they themselves helped build.

"We work tirelessly," said Barbara Lyne, Wichita Falls Habitat for Humanity marketing and developing director. "When you have ownership, it gives a sense of pride in what you do."

Lyne was inspired as she witnessed the process of homes being built and the resulting change in lives.

"It was amazing to watch," she commented. "You begin to recognize the depth of growing; it goes deep."

John Fernandez, a local pastor, offered a prayer for the homes and families during the dedication ceremony for each home. Amidst the unanimous uttering's of "Amen," an emotional commentary from each family receiving a home echoed from the walls of the empty rooms.

"My father told me to never give up in life," said tearful new homeowner Jean Elwood. "Here I am with a new home."

There were two houses presented on the summer day and  families now have a new place to call home. Though they're bare now, floors and walls will soon be adorned with furniture and family pictures. While these efforts were completed, more houses were already being planned. With no shortage of volunteers, the prospect of a new home for other local residents is now a real possibility.