Rodeo association hosts habitat volunteers

Volunteers from around the country trekked into Sisters to help with the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes. photo by Doug Kaufman The Sisters Rodeo Association is hosting a nationally organized group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers on the new camp site at the rodeo grounds for 10 days.

The Habitat for Humanity RV Care-A-Vanners are in Sisters to help with local home construction. This is the second year they have parked their RVs or pitched tents at the rodeo grounds while they are here.

"We feel that the work they do is important in our community, and we like to help out in the best way we can," said Ron Collins, Sisters Rodeo board member and grounds rental manager.

The rodeo association was excited for the RV volunteers to find improved camp sites with outdoor water access, electrical hook-up and barkchip surface.

"We did some major improvement for the stock contractors and their crew, who camp on the rodeo grounds during the week of rodeo," Collins explained. "The RVers should be really happy with this site."

The RV volunteers are a group of men and women from all kinds of lifestyles and all ages.

The only requirement for membership is that each member own a recreational vehicle for temporary housing. This includes tents.

Eight to ten units of each caravan stay at a site for up to two weeks and travel across the United States and Canada. Their activities are coordinated by local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

"We are so lucky to have this RV group come help us in Sisters," said Sharlene Weed, Executive Director of Sisters Habitat. "They travel from all over the U.S., including Alaska. It's really wonderful.

"It is the partnerships that have been formed in this community, like the one with the rodeo association, that help us build so many homes," Weed said. "Businesses donate food and meals for our volunteer guests, and local churches and ministry are available with support and daily prayers. That's what makes our Habitat program work so well."