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Construction to start on Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio’s Newest Community
When Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio begins construction in its newest community, Coleman Ridge, on Friday it will do so with hundreds of volunteers who are braving the heat to help local families in need build their American dream.
But one group, hailing from Port Lavaca and San Antonio, will be there not only to man the organization’s volunteer construction crews, but to also honor the memory of a loved one, John B. Flores of Port Lavaca.
“Mr. Flores had been a friend of mine for 22 years,” said Guillermo Wolff, a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in San Antonio and longtime HFHSA volunteer. “He always wanted me to let him know when he could come down and help.”
Mr. Flores did come down and work with St. Luke volunteers who have helped sponsor and build 10 houses with HFHSA, in December 2010.
“He always said let me know and I’ll come and help. I let him know … and we worked at the site on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 and enjoyed it all the way through,” said Wolff, who has joined St. Luke Catholic volunteers each year to build homes.
Initial plans were for Flores to join the group on a regular basis. But, this cold Saturday in December proved to be his first and last volunteer day for HFHSA as he was killed in a motorcycle accident in March.
Friends and family will come out in full force this Friday and Saturday to volunteer in his memory. Wearing shirts that say “John’s Helping Hands,” Wolff says he knows they will be doing something that would make Mr. Flores happy.
“There’s a lot of people who respected and loved him…I loved the guy,” he said.
The group of around 45 will join more than 400 other volunteers this weekend to build the first eight homes in HFHSA’s newest community, Coleman Ridge.
“We are so excited to get started in Coleman Ridge and to have so many coming out to join us this first weekend. We cannot do what we do without them,” said Sarah Arredondo, HFHSA volunteer coordinator. “However, we do need more. Fridays are a big need for us in August.”
HFHSA relies on donated funds and volunteer labor to build their homes. Arredondo explained that youth and adults 14 and up are welcome and no experience is necessary. To volunteer, call 210-223-5203 or visit the website at www.habitatsa.org for more information.
Other groups this weekend include volunteers from Navy Federal Credit Union, Optum Health/United Health Group, Christus Santa Rosa Health System, Valero intern staff, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Target, Best Buy-North Star, Phi Theta Kappa - Psi Kappa and countless individuals, she said.
Directions: Old Pearsall Road and Loop 410; from downtown San Antonio, take 35 South (toward Laredo) to 410 North; take Exit #2 (Old Pearsall Road); turn Left and go under bridge; turn Right on Excellence Drive; follow the parking signs.
About Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio: Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio is an ecumenical, Christian organization working with families in need to build simple, decent and affordable homes without interest or profit. Habitat families are required to put in a minimum of 300 hours of “sweat equity,” meaning they help build their own home, the homes of their neighbors and they attend home ownership education classes. In turn, they purchase their homes on a 0% interest, 20-year mortgage. Their payments average about $400 a month, or about half the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city. HFHSA plans to build 55 homes in 2011. HFHSA was founded in 1976 as the first U.S. affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization has built 713 homes in its 35-year history.
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