Despite setbacks, Habitat for Humanity still going strong

Thanks to the determination of Habitat for Humanity students and various donors, 601 Mahone Ave. in the Berkeley section of Norfolk, now has an almost-completed house. While the volunteers had hoped to have the family in the house by Nov. 2004, delays due to poor construction supervision pushed the projected date to sometime around December or January.

Fundraising for the project began in Feb. 2003. The groundbreaking took place in Oct. 2003 and construction of the house started in Feb. 2004. The fundraising goal was $55,000, but this did not have to be met in order to start building. To date, Habitat for Humanity still needs $6,000 for completion of the house. Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Tidewater Community College are all on board with the Wesleyan Habitat group.

Diane Hotaling, director of community service, is proud of the students' efforts and happily announced that the house is two-thirds done. The exterior is just about complete and once the plumbing passes inspection, installation of drywall, carpet and fixtures can begin. The HVAC and electrical wiring have already passed inspection.

Having already been through three construction supervisors was the first of several problems Hotaling cited as difficult for the Habitat Group. "I guess now you could say that interim construction supervisor has been added to my job description," said Hotaling.

Two reported thefts and one unreported theft have also delayed the group. In August, scaffolding that was being rented was stolen, which cost $1,700 alone. Among other stolen items were carpet, lumber and fixtures, bringing the total of stolen goods to around $3,000, which attribute to the financial setbacks.

A failed plumbing inspection has also contributed to the delay and frustration. The group is currently looking for a new plumber to come repair the minor problems. Nothing further can be done on the interior of the house until this is completed. Attention then can be turned to the final stages of equipping the house with drywall, carpeting and cabinets.

Wesleyan’s Habitat chapter is on its third house, one was completed in 1997 and the other in 2001.

Habitat president, senior Mary Douglas, became interested in the club in 2001. Throughout her college years, she rose through the ranks to her current position.

"Diane's dedication to the building of the house has been part of the reason we pressed on" Douglas said. Douglas also thinks about how long she and others have been working on the project when she becomes frustrated by the setbacks and delays. Thoughts of the family contributed to the follow-through attitude of Douglas and her crew.

Senior Sarah McMurtrie echoes Douglas' feelings about the family.

“What has kept me going is that there is a face to this home, no matter what it takes it's something worth working for.”

The face McMurtrie is referring to is Ms. Cooke and her two sons, who are 14 and 16 years old. The family is currently renting an apartment in Ocean View.

“The boys have already picked out their rooms,” said McMurtrie. "This will be a nice ending to a struggle." McMurtrie has been volunteering and had an interest in non-profit housing since her high school years. Her start began with Hosanna Industries, an organization that builds a house in a week. The first build she participated in with Habitat for Humanity was in cooperation with Hosanna Industries. As a site supervisor, McMurtrie drives volunteers to the site, delegates and explains jobs. She's been on the job every Saturday since the beginning, with the exception of a semester abroad in Rome last spring.

Added inspiration was given to the chapter when Habitat for Humanity's founder, Millard Fuller, spoke at Wesleyan’s 2004 Commencement ceremony, bringing the message that

“To whom much is given, much is expected."

“About 85% of funds have been raised through letter-writing campaigns asking for donations,” said Douglas. ODU’s chapter arranged a $10,00 grant from Home Depot for the build. Habitat's recent Shack-A-Thon fundraiser earned $90. The group plans to ask for $5,000 from the Norfolk Suburban Kiwanis, which Hotaling is a member of.

Upon completion of this build, Douglas is confident that Wesleyan’s Habitat chapter will remain solid. The possibility exists that Wesleyan will sponsor another build in a couple of years and expand on new leadership and fundraising once these senior members are gone.

Douglas, McMurtrie, and Hotaling are always eager for both questions and more volunteers. Please contact Mary Douglas at medouglas@vwc.edu for more information. ”