Cohousing-L Mailing List: Habitat for Humanity

[Rob Sandelin (floriferous]

this group does some good stuff. Each region has its own board which is
autonomous from the national board to a large degree. The national board is
very Christian oriented, and some of the regional boards are as well, I have
heard that some actually use a religous screening process in their meetings
to determine whom gets chosen. This of course is illegal, so its all very
hush hush. I spent two weekends on a habitat project and I was constantly
being evangalized. I was willing to continue working on the project, the
local Pastor in charge asked me not to come back, as I was "not a good
influence on some of the younger folks".  My non-religous, pro-life,
evolution as science opinions were not welcomed.

This is OK, and I support their right to chose whomever they wish to work on
their homes. I just with they would be more honest about their religous
requirements.  These folks do build lots of homes for people, and they do
recruit heavily from churches for financing and volunteers, so it makes
sense they would have a religous agenda in the field. Your mileage might
vary, I understand each region has its own flavor.

I did some work once with the Carter Institute, and former President Jimmy
Carter told an amusing Habitat marketing story one day at lunch. Apparently
on a project in South Carolina the local group was having real problems
getting volunteers. A bunch of college sorority girls volunteered one hot
day, and  they all showed up in swim suits and similiar outfits. The next
day the project was overflowing with eager young men. I also heard another
story about a California project that had beer and barbeque every night for
the workers. So I appreciate that my experience was only one of many.

Rob Sandelin
South Snohomish County at the headwaters of Ricci Creek
Sky Valley Environments  <http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/SVE.htm>
Field skills training for student naturalists
Floriferous [at] msn.com

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