Habitat for Humanity Needs Lunch Makers, Not Just Builders

After 55 homes built across Wood County, Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for another season with a message that might surprise you: they need your skills, whatever they are.

The organization held a volunteer open house Tuesday in Bowling Green, and coordinator Gina Skaggs made it clear that construction experience isn't required. "We try to match them up with what we have," she said, welcoming everyone from financial advisors to sandwich makers.

Joel Berg is offering money management skills to help new homeowners succeed. When he saw Habitat needed financial mentors, he thought "that would be perfect" based on his previous job experience.

Employees from 5/3 Bank showed up ready to bring 15 to 18 coworkers for team build days. Patience Flores remembers the hard work of raising walls on a previous project, but meeting the family who would live there made every splinter worthwhile.

The need is urgent. Many local families spend 60% of their income on housing, making homeownership feel impossible without help.

Habitat's approach pairs volunteers with families throughout the entire journey, from application to key handoff. Skaggs has watched that transformation happen dozens of times. "You watch them get their keys, and you can see the relief," she said. "It's not just building homes. It's building families into confident, capable families."

The Ripple Effect

The volunteer opportunities stretch far beyond the construction site. Some volunteers scout potential building sites and work with local officials on land acquisition. Others provide lunches for build crews of eight to 15 hungry workers. Finance committee members ensure good stewardship of donated funds. Support partners walk alongside families for months, answering questions and offering encouragement.

The upcoming project will "recycle" an older Habitat home in North Baltimore, giving it new life for another family. While three homes stand in Bowling Green itself, finding available property there remains a challenge. "Unfortunately, it is very difficult getting property in Bowling Green," Skaggs noted, despite frequent requests.

The organization welcomes anyone interested in volunteering, regardless of their skill set or available time. Whether you can swing a hammer, balance a budget, or simply make a great ham sandwich, there's a place for you in creating homes and transforming lives.