In early November, CRHS Habitat for Humanity Club took its first trip of the year to help people in need in our community. A woman living in a trailer park in Lakewood was in need of help cleaning up her overgrown yard, as she was in jeopardy of being evicted from the premises. Students in the club and teachers who volunteered traveled to her property via bus to meet bright and early with leaders from Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity who informed us of the tasks we would be undertaking while there. Even though the volunteers had been working since before we arrived, much still needed to be completed to ensure the owner would be able to stay in her home. Leaves needed to be raked, wood needed to be cut, garbage needed to be disposed of, and the home needed a good power washing. The right students and teachers were called to the job, as our volunteers worked hard all day to accomplish everything that needed to be done.
Although the day seems long at school, our workday went by fast as there was always something for us to do. The leaders of our group had warned us when we arrived that the homeowner, Julia, was very shy and nervous to talk to everyone. They did not know much about her but knew that she sold antiques at flea markets and shows. As we started to work in her yard, although her presence was scarce, her personality was certainly not. Throughout her yard were many unique planters, small knick-knacks scattered, and ceramic cats, one even in a tree. Even though she was nervous to talk to us, these items showed us who she was and gave topics for conversation. When raking, we found pineapple tops and scraps of food which she explained to us that she was composting in her yard. By the end of the day, she became more talkative to the students, helping with tasks and offering to take pictures of everyone there. While our main goal was to come there and clean up her yard, we found that along the way we formed connections and friendships with both the homeowner and everyone there to help someone in need.
