Home builders help build Habitat for Humanity communities

Having grown up in the building industry, I’ve always had great appreciation for the concept of “home.” It’s what drives me every day to do what I do.

But the joy I’ve gotten from working with Habitat for Humanity over many years is indescribable. I am truly moved by this Christian ministry and all that we can do with God’s help. I am always so pleased to support Habitat’s mission in whatever ways possible, and I am grateful that our local Home Builders Association is so squarely behind this effort.

That’s why, when given the opportunity to serve as a lead builder for Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz in 2014, I jumped at it. While I had supported Habitat in various ways over the past couple of decades, this was an opportunity for me to participate in a hands-on way and really make an impact. It also gave me the chance to work with fellow builders, suppliers and sub-contractors in a one-of-a-kind community endeavor.

The best part of this experience, by far, was working with our Habitat homeowner family. Amy and her two daughters were with us every step of the way. They worked incredibly hard that week, helping to maintain the site and pitch in wherever needed. When we were short on siding installers early in the week, Amy willingly stepped into that role, helping us meet our goal. She did it all with a smile on her face, knowing that she was turning her dream of homeownership into a reality!

Presenting Amy with the keys to her house on the final day of the week was the highlight. In the daily bustle of our work lives, it’s easy to lose sight of how many people in our community care about doing good. At that moment, I was so grateful for the opportunity to be involved with all of the caring individuals and the Habitat team that helped Amy make her dream of homeownership a reality. I was overcome with emotion at this beautiful ceremony, but even more touched by the fact that we were helping to make such incredible change possible for Amy and her girls.

I am serving as a lead builder again in 2016, this year in partnership with my brother, Joe. What a privilege, honor and blessing it is to do this work with both my immediate family and my extended homebuilding family in Cedar Rapids!

Editor’s note: From June 6-10, professional homebuilders from across the United States will help nearly 250 families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter during Habitat for Humanity’s annual Home Builders Blitz. In Cedar Rapids, Cedar Valley Habitat and professional homebuilders like Jim Sattler will help three area families build a place they can call home.