LET’S BUILD A HOUSE!

        Perhaps you recognize the Habitat for Humanity slogan and
drawing above; in 1977 our United Church of Marco first became
involved in this ministry to provide homes for the needy but worthy families of Immokalee.

        Back then our church was only providing articles from Bargain
Basket and some funds.  Bob Olsen and Dr. Dick Disseler set the new thing “Habitat for Humanity” in motion and the church’s mission board became involved.  Our church budgeted two or three thousand dollars
for Habitat.

       At this time Millard Filmore who had instigated the Habitat project
and talked to the Olsen’s felt that Immokalee would be (and did
become) the first affiliate outside of the original Habitat home in Americus, Georgia.  Bob Olsen spoke to Marco Island’s Rotary Club
saying that Marco and Immokalee had something in common…. that being, ten thousand winter visitors.  The difference was those coming
to Marco brought  money, those in Immokalee needed money! 
Rotarians and others responded positively and immediately.  All could relate to a self-help program that would bring dignity and stability to people’s lives.

        The original Habitat board had some Naples folks on it, some Immokalee residents, several people from up state, Bill Hayman (a
Lay member of UCMI) and Dr. Disseler.  They met monthly in
Immokalee.  Soon Charlie Smith came on board.  The issue of land availability, chosen families for the program, raising funds and a big
issue of one or two bathrooms in the prototype home took up many meetings.  The land and homes were to stay in the $30,000 to
$35,000 range.  Families could be Caucasian, African American, or Hispanic; they had children and they must put in equity hours helping
build “their” first home.  The monthly mortgage payment in those
days was usually less than half what these families were paying to
live in hotels.  Another UCMI member, Jane Paulus, was quite instrumental in getting the Collier Board of Education to improve the needs in Immokalee school curriculum.  This was a big bonus to
families wishing to have better educated children.

        Before long, the thought of our church purchasing an entire
Habitat home was presented by Bill Hayman.  This was about the same time we were in the process of putting on an addition to the administration building and enlarging the Chancel.  The faithful in Christ came forward to the mission Board’s request.  Hamilton Bristol told Dr. Disseler he had a dream and God spoke to him and told him to provide $35,000 for the first Habitat home to be donated by UCMI.  Our first home was paid for but then, Jean Bristol, Ham’s wife, pledged $5,000
of her own funds toward a second home.  What excitement and motivation brought forth quick donations to complete the funds for a second home.  UCMI donated the funds for the first two homes and
four of the eleven fully funded by a single entity.  The rest is history!  Homes three and four soon followed, not right away but in God’s good time.  Another of our Christian members, Jane Adams, gave a home in memory of her husband, Emmett.  Habitat is not all about money; it’s
also about the faithful who donate their time and talents to help build
the homes.

        Today, Habitat is nationwide and worldwide.  How proud we at
UCMI that we were on board this ministry so early in its infancy – and
are still hearing God’s call, like Hamilton.

        In 2002 as Dr. Disseler was retiring, he asked Jack Hough to pick
up the ball and head our church’s Habitat project.  After four years of discussion with the Governing Board and Mission Board, it was
agreed that this was a fundraiser on its own and not a project of the outreach ministry.  Since then each year UCMI has raised $50,000
and thus 10 Habitat for Humanity homes. 

        Millard Fillmore took Jesus’ mandate seriously and said, “If you
have two cars, two homes, two suits, two refrigerators and your neighbor has need of one, give it to him.”  In February of 2008 UCMI
will again, hopefully renew our Christian upbringing by raising
$50,000 for home #11 with our donations and our dedicated people helping the ever-so-grateful families who move into their “first new
and only home”.  Help us bring the love of God to another of his
children.  

                                                Written by Juanita Henning

The holidays are over and I hope everyone had a joyous one.  It’s time to get back to reality.  Just a few miles away exists a world where hard working families can not afford decent housing.  

Please read the letter below, from one of Habitat family’s son:

                                                        Jack Hough for Habitat for Humanity

See the pictures below of UCMI's 10th Habitat for Humanity house and family. 

UCMI's 10th Habitat House and family.

The laying on of hands.

The blessing of the home.

Some UCMI members with the Habitat family.

We were successful in our Habitat for Humanity 2008 fundraiser.
This will be UCMI’s 11^th house.