Asheville - Habitat for Humanity (2)

Day 3: "Poverty with a view"

Across the railroad tracks from the largest privately owned property in the US–the Biltmore Estate–lies an agency that provides homes for those who can't afford one on their own. Many Asheville residents can't afford homes because of the high property costs due to the tourism industry. Locals refer to this paradox as 'poverty with a view'. This week our work will be dedicated to beautifying that view for those who need it the most.

Setting off bright and early in the ghost mobile, we arrived at the Asheville Habitat for Humanity administration offices. There we met Stephanie Wallace, the volunteer coordinator for the affiliate for volunteer orientation. She treated us to a lovely continental breakfast, and gave us an in-depth tour of all things Habitat. There we explored the second largest Habitat ReStore in the US. The money made from the ReStore covers all of the organization's overhead costs, so that all donations that are received go directly to funding the houses.

From there we headed down Soulshine Court to our Habitat for Humanity neighborhood, where a cul-de-sac of four houses currently under construction reside. We met the construction supervisor, Keith Levi, who gave us a hands-on construction rundown. Our team was split into three groups; one to stucco, one to lay flooring, and one to paint.

Amidst the dedication of laying floors, Blake discovered how to communicate love (one of the seven principles of MAB). From across the jigsaw, Blake locked eyes with the love of his life, the retired Habitat Core volunteer, Carol. 

On the stucco team, Abby learned that she is determined to give up her career in journalism for the art of the stucco–a rare, but glorious gift. By the end of the day, an entire side of the house had been completed with stucco.

Painting, while seemingly easiest, proved to be an intense task. Connor found himself alone in a corner, bonding with a paintbrush. He was relieved to be reunited with humankind at the end of the day. 

Dinner was a fancy feast, prepared by the bathtub crew: Kate, Paige, and Blake. With an insane amount of hot dogs, and ground-breaking cheesy potatoes, the meal was deemed a success. Following dinner was a bonfire with smores, paired with a gorgeous starry sky.

Coming back home, Ned reveled to the group he indeed has the pink eye. Let's hope that the SQUAD doesn't wake up with pink eye. Thanks a lot, Ned.

Peace n' Blessings,

Allie, Noelle, and Nick!!!!!!!!