PORT TOWNSEND — Many people are getting a day off in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, but a crew of volunteers is treating the holiday as a “day on” when the members perform a measure of community service.
The day of service is part of a nationwide program sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, VISTA and AmeriCorps.
Locally, it translates to 10 volunteers kicking in to help build two new homes at 1404 20th St. and down the road at 1446 20th St.
“This is a day to remember Dr. King’s selfless service,” said Habitat’s AmeriCorps VISTA member Cassandra Little.
“America is one of the most charitable countries in the world, and this day is a prominent reflection of that fact.”
Jamie Maciejewski, Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County executive director, said Wednesday that the 10-member crew for Monday’s operation had already been chosen from the local AmeriCorps and VISTA volunteers.
She said there were other opportunities to volunteer at other times and that interested parties should phone her at 360-379-2827.
The Habitat cluster on 20th and 21st streets includes 14 lots, with 13 of them occupied or near completion.
When the houses are finished in March, the neighborhood will include housing for 19 adults and 31 children.
The atmosphere in this neighborhood is neighborly, Maciejewski said.
“These families have helped to build one another’s homes, have looked after each other’s kids and have celebrated as each house has been completed,” she said.
“Their kids have become friends, and the adults have enjoyed watching that happen.
“Because they have worked and played and planned and celebrated side by side, they have been given a head start on becoming a community.”
Habitat homes are simple, no-frills structures that are designed to meet a family’s basic housing needs.
Participants put in 400 to 500 “sweat equity” hours as a down payment on their home and pay for the cost of materials through a 20- to 30-year mortgage.
Since its founding in 1998, Habitat in Jefferson County has built 20 houses and recycled two, providing simple, decent, affordable homes for 22 families with 47 children.
Habitat is funded by donations and by the volunteer-operated Habitat Store at 2001 W. Sims Way, Port Townsend.
For more information or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatejc.org or phone 360-379-2827.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
