Habitat for Humanity

WAKARUSA – On a warm sunny Saturday in June, twelve Monaco “Rosie the Riveter” women participated in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home. These ladies, along with male team leaders and the homeowner, helped run electrical lines through out the home and vinyl-sided Crystal’s home at in Goshen, Indiana. Our volunteer group consisted of ladies from across all Indiana divisions – Elkhart, Wakarusa, Nappanee, and Royale Coach.

While most were experienced “tool wise,” many learned new skills or tips they stated would come in handy working on their own homes. What’s special about this home is that it’s being built by women participants only with male guidance under the WATCH chapter (Women Accepting the Challenge of Housing) of Habitat. And before you guys crack any jokes, these three team leaders said they would work this group anytime – in fact, they didn’t want us to leave! Not only did our jokes kept them in stitches all day, we even attracted the attention of a photographer covering the event for a local newspaper and even got him in the act as well!

Personally I had a fantastic time working with these ladies and think everyone felt it was a very rewarding experience as well. In fact, they wanted to know if we could do it again! If you would be interested in helping the local chapter, contact the Goshen Habitat office for more information.

Monaco WATCH helpers included (LtoR): JoAnne Troxel, June Rheinheimer, Brenda Schlegelmilch, Treva Yoder, Judy Nicely, Terri Archambault, Tammy Beadle, Ruth Hochstetler, Sheila Losee, and Shirley Yoder (Trina Beadle & Nancy Martz not in photo).

–Nancy Martz, Event Coordinator/Participant