Habitat for Humanity:



Habitat for Humanity:

Making Peace and Inspiring Change

Jeff Feldhaus

“Cura personalis,” “men and women for others,” “magis.” All are common phrases on campus here at Creighton University. These familiar sayings mean “care for the entire person,” “devoting yourself to serve other people,” and “striving for more,” respectively. There are many groups worldwide that work for social justice and Habitat for Humanity is a major one. It is a Christian-based organization that helps us live out these Christian values in our lives. Participation in a group like this helps create a better overall person, in spirit, mind, and body and also helps us to become service-oriented men and women for others. Lastly, it is a group which urges people to strive to achieve more, making our world a better place. Whether Christian or not, everyone should live our these values: “cura personalis,” “being men and women for others,” and “magis.” Since it is such a valuable organization, we all should play some role in the activities of Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity’s service is dedicated to fulfilling our moral and civil duties to work for other people who are less fortunate in society. Participation in an organization such as this one not only creates, through philanthropy, better lives for other people, but it also develops character in the participating individual. This association demonstrates social justice in action and shows a genuine concern for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, and any other form of discrimination. As leaders in action, its members work to improve the community and the lives of everyone in it. At each building project, Habitat for Humanity is not only developing young men and women, but as Joshua Potter, vice-president of the Creighton chapter says, “We’re crafting safe and livable communities” (Feldhaus).

The building projects at Creighton give people an amazing feeling of achievement when completed. As Potter happily noted, “We build a house for 8 months and then we get to see it become a home when the family moves in…and to think that you had a hand in it” (Feldhaus). The feeling of satisfaction is worth the sacrifice. Habitat for Humanity is an organization that works through the united spirit of many people with one common goal. This exhibits how all members are working to be men and women for others, while bettering themselves at the same time.

The Creighton chapter of Habitat for Humanity is currently working on its sixth housing project and is continuously teaching students how to act with Christian values, which builds up a stronger character in individuals. Members of Habitat show their compassion and humility for others. Our duty to others is described by Jesus in the gospel of Luke, “Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands--all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you” (Catholic). This passage describes our respect, as Christians, that we owe to others. This is an important idea because we will be shown the same respect we give to others. Therefore, we must always be willing to devote ourselves completely to others and share with them the gifts with which we have been blessed.

Part of the Creighton Habitat mission statement is to help students become an influential part of the Habitat for Humanity International community. As a part of this worldwide organization, Creighton University students build houses for needy families and help educate people about affordable housing issues. The international community, founded by Millard Fuller, is based on his ideology that “God’s love leaves nobody out, and my love should not either” (Habitat 2006). Meaning, we should always be eager to help others. As God loves everyone, we should too. Also, at the center of the Habitat for Humanity foundation is the belief that members should live out one of Jesus’ most important messages in the world; to “reflect God’s love.” This kind of love is recognized not through our words, but in our actions. Two actions which make possible all the work this nonprofit group does are volunteerism and fundraising (Feldhaus).

Volunteering and financial charity are perfect examples of acting as men and women for others. Help from many people is needed in order to complete all the goals of Habitat for Humanity. The more help this organization has, the more it can do for the community. Dedication to others through Habitat shows an unselfish willingness to lead, and serve. Volunteering is a great way to meet people at Creighton and make lifelong friends, and not only other members of Habitat, but people from all kinds of groups. According to Potter, “All sorts of Creighton groups come out to build with us...probably a good 50% of on-campus organizations have organized builds through us” (Feldhaus). The chance to meet all kinds of people and learn about different ways of life is present. On a larger scale, working in Habitat can introduce one to cultures and people from all over the world. This allows a person an opportunity to broaden his or her horizons.

Habitat is a tiered, worldwide organization with families on the city, state, regional, national, and international levels (Habitat 2005). Members have built homes for underprivileged families in Africa, Asia, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, the United States, and numerous other countries in the Pacific (Habitat 2006). Habitat works all around the world with the vision of wiping out homelessness and eliminating poor housing. Another aim is to “learn about homelessness, poverty, and things we can do to alleviate these problems” (Habitat 2005). This organization demonstrates leadership, unselfishness, teamwork, and compassion and service for others. Due to the commitment of people and their ability to overcome the tension caused by diversity, Habitat for Humanity has spread rapidly, even through the world’s poorest countries. Men and women from different races, religions, educational and financial backgrounds band together with one purpose, to work for the common good. Even for the non-members, there is a way to join in the community service through charity.

As a nonprofit group, charity is a big part of keeping the organization operational. Donations are an easy way to be a part of Habitat if the time sacrifice is too big. They show a generosity and good will to others and are graciously appreciated by all who are a part of Habitat. Financial offerings make someone a better overall person because of their free choice to find a way to help people who are less fortunate. Donators reveal their kind heart to all those whose lives are touched. Whether a small part or not, there are many ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity. It is very fulfilling to be a part of this valuable organization as it constantly reaches for more and improves society a little at a time.

Habitat for Humanity is a great representation of the Jesuit value “magis.” The members of Habitat are determined to accomplish more to make their Habitat family stronger and more productive while making our habitat a better place. They are always thinking of new ways to improve the organization and more successfully reach out to those in need. In the past five years, Habitat for Humanity has set high standards while starting their campaign for their ultimate goal, to wipe out poverty and poor quality housing from the planet. This association has built a network in 100 countries, constructed over 200,000 homes, and raised about $593 million dollars for their projects through fundraising (Habitat 2006)! This is a giant step in the right direction and shows what impressive accomplishments dedication and teamwork can create. This shows how people are trying harder to reach difficult goals. Although these remarkable feats have been attained, more is still being done to improve society.

The importance of Habitat and the benefits that come from it are obvious, the first step is getting involved. Participation in this group betters a person on many different levels. Habitat for Humanity instills important qualities in a person along with helping him or her put into action Christian principles. Being a part of Habitat, in some way, helps us to become more complete individuals. It also leads to happier lives for ourselves and other members in our community. Service to others helps us to realize the Jesuit values “cura personalis,” “being men and women for others,” and reaching for “magis” in our lives. Habitat for Humanity is something everyone should participate in, in some way or another. Either through volunteering or providing funding for the projects, the effects of participation are righteous. It is an organization that focuses on the common welfare of all people worldwide. Noble goals, high standards, and positive outcomes are all associated with this global service network which epitomizes the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is another way of saying that we must be men and women working to improve life for not only ourselves, but also our neighbors. We have a responsibility to protect the world and all its people. Habitat for Humanity does this by trying to create more desirable lives for people all around the world. This is why the projects and ambitions of Habitat for Humanity are all undertaken keeping the idea in mind that, “every man should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety” (Habitat 2006).

 

Works Cited

Feldhaus, Jeff. “Habitat for Humanity Questions.” E-mail to Joshua Potter. 3 Oct. 2006.

Habitat for Humanity. 2005. Creighton University. 2 Oct. 2006. .

Habitat for Humanity. 2006. Habitat for Humanity International. 3 Oct. 2006. .

The Catholic Youth Bible. Winona: Christian Brothers Publications, 2000.

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