By Wayne Allen
Scioto County Habitat For Humanity held a volunteer recognition dinner Monday evening, honoring all of its volunteers that make the work of the origination possible.
Featured speaker for the event was Scioto County native and Habitat For Humanity advocate John Lang. Over the course of his speech Lang spoke of his history with the program, and how he came to know former president Jimmy Carter.
“(Scioto County Habitat For Humanity) has grown beyond measure over the last few years. That growth is a great testament, not only to the local leadership and also to those volunteers that come out and do the work,” Lang said.
Lang said one of the reasons he was drawn to the work of Habitat For Humanity.
“Every home that is built truly helps not only that family, but helps shine a light on the problem of housing. One of the greatest things about habitat is that anyone can volunteer,” Lang said.
Over the course of construction the volunteer needs of habit evolve from a roofer to a plumber, to painters, to someone to sweep the floor. There is often a way everyone can volunteer to help the organization fulfill its mission.
Lang told those in attendance Carter has worked closely with Habitat For Humanity for over 30 years.
“The month before last, I was shocked to see that he was holding a press conference announcing he was battling cancer. It was tough for me to hear that,” Lang said. “He’s undergoing treatment; he had radiation on a Wednesday and was teaching Sunday School on Sunday. He continues to be an advocate for Habitat.”
Since its founding in 1996, Scioto County Habitat For Humanity has renovated two homes in Portsmouth, built three new homes in New Boston, South Webster and Portsmouth. The organization announced its intentions to start construction on another home in New Boston.
According to www.sciotohabitat.org “Habitat is committed to ending poverty housing, one home at a time, by building a decent home for a family in need. Scioto County Habitat for Humanity has found its message of offering a ‘hand up’ not a ‘handout.”
Over the course of the event, the organization gave four awards. The construction volunteer award was given to Carpenters Local Union 437 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 575.
The band Doc Roc and the Remedies were given the non-construction volunteer award. Rock Haven Church was given the faith based volunteer award and special recognition was given to Calvin Rodeheffer for his years of service to the organization.
For more information and ways to volunteer with Scioto County Habit For Humanity visit them on Facebook.
Wayne Allen can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 1933 or on Twitter @WayneallenPDT
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