But don't tell that to my kids. They started packing two weeks ago. That's the kind of excitement Habitat for Humanity can generate. Habitat homes are built with volunteer labor, and as much donated material as possible, for low-income families, many of whom had been living in government housing projects. The families must put 250 hours of work into their home, or into another Habitat project.
Ownership makes the contrast even more pronounced.
An unkempt yard and graffiti are rarities in a Habitat neighborhood, and HUD statistics show that the children who move into a Habitat house are likely to see a dramatic improvement in grades at school. Today, the Christian roots of the movement are somewhat muted. Bibles are given along with the keys to each house, and most Habitat events and rallies open with prayer. Still, homeowners such as Terri Muff know where to direct thanks. I can remember praying, praying for something like this.