We
drove to Florida to see Barbara’s dad and
participate in a Habitat for Humanity build as “Care-a-Vanners.” You can read
about Care-a-Vanners in our post from last year.
We’ve
volunteered with this Indian River Habitat affiliate before, but this time our
trailer was located behind the ReStore.
We
hadn’t been to the ReStore before, so were surprised when we arrived late at
night to see the entrance blocked off.
That
threw us off momentarily. Are we allowed to go in? Is the gate locked? Do we
need to wake up the other RVers to let us in? Fortunately Bill figured out how
to open the gate and we parked our trailer.
 |
| RV spots behind the ReStore – our trailer is on the right |
Last
year we both worked on the Fellsmere job site constructing homes; this year
Bill worked on the same job site, while Barbara worked in the ReStore. The
ReStore is a donation center.
People
donate all sorts of stuff. Proceeds from the sale of the items go to building
houses for people who need extra help beginning home ownership. Barbara
primarily tried to transform heaps of linens into salable merchandise.
The
items varied from junk to high end furniture, from 25¢ to $1,000+ items, and
from very well used to brand new. What
do you think of this chair?
Barbara worked with some super hard-working and encouraging co-workers. Fellow Care-a-Vanners, Ina and Ty, transformed the hardware department.
In
the meantime Bill worked at the construction site. It was cool to see last
year’s homes now occupied by the families who helped build them.
One
of the owners stopped by the job site and when Bill congratulated her on her
finished home, she beamed and gave him a hug.
 |
pictures from last year when Sharon first worked on the job site
(Now she owns her own home!)
|
Bill
worked on one of two new homes, building exterior walls, making shed trusses,
and installing house trusses.
He
also participated in a Wall Raising, a ceremony celebrating the start of the
build.
 |
the
Wall Raising
(Bill on left in blue vest, Supervisor Ricardo in blue in the
middle)
|
Last
year, we really appreciated the Fellsmere build supervisor and this year was no
different. Somehow he finds significant work for volunteers and home
buyers of all abilities, manages the construction, and builds a high-quality home.
Some of the volunteers were familiar and some were new but all were really nice
people.
We
enjoyed our time here, loved working with this group of people, and feel like
we are making a difference by helping out. We also were glad to have the
opportunity to see Barbara’s family, as well!
