As we hit mid-July, my term of service as an AmeriCorps National Member at Habitat for Humanity Riverside is quickly coming to an end. This past month I have gone from Riverside, California to Colorado, and from helping people find affordable homes to helping with the recovery efforts in an area that was devastated by a natural disaster. 

  

First AmeriCorps group to arrive to the 2016 Build-A-Thon.

In June, AmeriCorps members from all over the west coast flew out to Colorado to help rebuild homes that were devastated during the September 2013 floods as part of the 2016 AmeriCorps Build-A-Thon. At first the city appeared to be completely recovered from the floods, but after talking to the locals about their experience and loss, I realized how extensive the road to recovery can be. Many families are still finding themselves without a decent place to call home.

I was assigned to work at a site in St. Vrain Valley to work alongside over 40 AmeriCorps Members. For an entire week, we committed to helping the recovery efforts by building four duplex homes. I had the incredible opportunity to work along with Habitat for Humanity’s first volunteer, Clive Rainey. It was rewarding to meet someone who had so much wisdom and experience. He shared stories about how enriching it has been to witness entirely different communities come together to help each other and live in peace. 

As the end of my term of service approaches, I realize how quickly this year seemed to fly by. As a Construction Crew Leader at Habitat for Humanity Riverside, I worked physically in the field and behind the scenes. I built steps, installed carpet, painted, landscaped, and assisted in the construction of nine new, single family homes. I helped track volunteers and helped homeowners apply for Habitat programs. The work was fast paced and was often done in harsh Inland Empire weather conditions. The work was well worth it because like Clive Rainey, I had the opportunity to hear so many stories that I would have never imagined if I hadn’t seen it first hand. I had the opportunity to witness people from different cultures, religions, and age groups come together peacefully to work towards a common goal. Serving as an AmeriCorps Member allowed me not only to provide a service to a community, but to gain life experiences that will always keep me humble in my future endeavors.

To learn more about AmeriCorps or to apply, visit HabitatRiverside.org/AmeriCorps