Teens build Habitat houses

Sisters Habitat for Humanity got some extra help last month in building their current homes. Sisters was chosen by Habitat International as one of four sites for its Summer Youth Blitz. Teens flew in from several states for two weeks of work on a duplex in downtown Sisters.

Teens chose to spend part of their summer swinging a hammer, laying sod, and putting in decks for a variety of reasons.

“It sounded like a kind thing to do,” said 16-year-old Kelsey Longmuir from Washington. Longmuir has spent past summers as a camp counselor but when that didn’t work out this year, her mom said “you’re not sitting around all summer.”

Although she has no construction experience, Longmuir said she’s really enjoyed her two weeks of hard work and meeting new people.

Tony Higgins, a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania, said he enjoyed the team-building activities such as hiking. Since he comes from a big city, little Sisters made an impression on him.

“It’s like an old Western movie — everybody knows everybody,” said Higgins.

Several adult supervisors said the girls were the better roofers. Leanna Bostick, a 17-year-old from Florida, agrees. Bostick said she listened to the roofing instructions and mastered the skill in “five or 10 minutes.”

“The gals paid attention and the guys don’t tend to pay attention,” Bostick said, adding it also helped that she’s not afraid of heights.

Grace Kim, visiting Assistant Manager for the Youth Blitz, said teens find out about the program through their school or on Habitat’s website. Students don’t need construction experience since they get an orientation the first day. The training includes terminology, basic how-to’s and safety.

“Some have a real drive and passion for volunteering,” said Kim.

The 15 visiting students and the adult supervisors contributed sweat equity during the day, then enjoyed the hospitality and beauty of Sisters. They visited Crater Lake, went hiking, and enjoyed barbecues. Habitat asked churches, community groups and businesses to provide lunches and snacks for the crew and didn’t receive one “no” when they asked for help.

Sisters Habitat Executive Director Sharlene Weed said she was “overwhelmed” with all the help they received. The community donated food and organized fun activities. The Episcopal Church provided lodging for the students. Weed estimates 100 people and businesses helped host the volunteers during their two-week stay.

Weed said another gratifying aspect of the visit was that the two homeowners-to-be were able to meet the student volunteers who worked on their homes. Weed said the students invested “good, meaningful” work on the duplex.

“Some want to go home and work with Habitat. That’s worth more than the walls going up,” said Weed.