Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

Putting faith into action: Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that Christian discipleship necessarily involves acting in ways to manifest the love of Jesus Christ. Christ's love for us must be reflected in our own lives by the way we love and care for one another. In the Bible, I John 3:17-18 tells us that "If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth." Habitat for Humanity brings people from all walks of life together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone.

Ownership is the Key: Home ownership is a key to Habitat's success. No Habitat house is given away. Each family selected must put in 350 hours of "sweat equity" by working on theirs and other Habitat houses. The family must attend home maintenance and financial management workshops before moving into their home. The investment of labor, as well as the monthly mortgage payments gives a family true ownership which is vital to the upkeep of the home. It underscores the importance of self help and the dignity that comes from a hand-up rather than a hand-out.

Omaha Habitat for Humanity has been building homes in the Omaha area for over 20 years. They have built or refurbished nearly 200 homes since their inception in 1984.

The Carpenter's Crew: St. Gerald's Parish is in its ninth year of building homes with The Carpenter's Crew. The Carpenter's Crew is a coalition of area churches who pool together funds and volunteers to build a home with a family selected by Omaha Habitat for Humanity. Included in the coalition are St. Gerald, Mary Our Queen, Sacred Heart, St. Cecilia's, Immanuel Lutheran, St. Margaret Mary, Dundee Presbyterian, St. Paul United Methodist, Allen Chapel AME, St. Charles Borremo, Presbyterian Church of the Master, Thrivent Lutheran and Wells Fargo Bank. The Carpenter's Crew is committed to raising $95,000 to fund the house and raising a volunteer work force to build it.

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• Make a donation: Checks should be made out to St. Gerald and marked for Habitat for Humanity. They can be dropped in the collection basket using the envelope in your July packet or mailed to the Church Office. All donations are due by July 17th.
• Volunteer to work: Skilled and unskilled laborers are needed.
• Provide a meal: St. Gerald Parish will provide the meals and snacks for the volunteers for at least one weekend. Volunteers will be needed to make and serve the meals.
• Donate new building materials: If you are able to donate job-sized quantities of new building materials (doors, windows, lumber, nails, shingles, trim, drywall, etc), contact Tim Mundorf.
• Pray for the project: As always, the success of this project is in the hands of God and his people. Pray that God will bless us with success and safety while we raise funds and build.

If you have any questions: contact Tim or Kristi Mundorf at 592-9056. You pick up a volunteer sign-up form in the back of the Church or at the Parish Business Office. Contact the parish office for more information.