Airmen lend hands for Habitat for Humanity

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A dozen Wing One Airmen set out at sunrise to lend their hands for Habitat for Humanity in Great Falls, Montana July 12 to help build a home.

Six hours later with a cloudless blue sky and 90-degree temperatures, the subfloor of unit
31 was complete.

"The men and women of Malmstrom Air Force Base responded overwhelmingly - we were only expecting four people to help out," said Mike Leffler, Great Falls Habitat for Humanity construction manager. "Their record of volunteering in Great Falls is stellar and it's something that we are blessed and fortunate to have, because we only get to build homes through volunteers."

According to www.habitat.org, Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit organization that builds and repair homes for qualified low-income families, solely through volunteer labor and donations. Typical families selected can't qualify for a conventional mortgage - but show a work history and a willingness to provide 500 hours of labor on their home. In Great Falls, approximately 25 families are on a waiting list to receive a home.

For Airman 1st Class Dan Allen Lee, 341st Security Forces Squadron member, this was his first time volunteering for Habitat, and it won't be his last.

"Everyone out here [volunteering] wants to be here," Lee said. "It feels great to be hands-on and be a part of something bigger by providing a home for someone in need."

Airmen interested in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity can contact the base point of contact, Master Sgt. John Haywood at 731-4447 or Leffler at 406-590-1248. No experience in construction is required - just a willingness to help.