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One corporate partner wanted an early taste of what this integration might offer their volunteer groups. A longtime Twin Cities Habitat supporter, GMAC ResCap wanted to broaden the impact they were having in the community. This year, in addition to a full house sponsorship in North Minneapolis, they decided to sponsor four ABWK homes in the same neighborhood. The opportunity to work on both projects has touched volunteers in a deeper way. "You can build a house on a block and you are doing a wonderful thing for one family, but there may be other homes on the block that need some love and attention" said Sharon Sayles Belton, Vice President and Managing Director of Community Relations for GMAC ResCap. "By doing something in the neighborhood, you might end up with a whole city block that experiences a higher level of revitalization and renewal." Volunteers pulled weeds, painted siding and provided general maintenance for four homes in North Minneapolis. Sayles Belton tells of one grateful homeowner, who while unable to do the work herself, nevertheless stayed with the volunteers to offer special instruction, lend moral support and affirm their presence. The GMAC ResCap volunteers have long enjoyed the personal satisfaction and challenge they have encountered through building homes with Twin Cities Habitat. A Brush with Kindness, however, gives volunteers another perspective on the importance of building community. "It's powerful what these activities can do for the human spirit," said Sayles Belton. "Often we think that nobody cares about neighbors or strangers, but these brushes with kindness just affirm that that's not so true. People will help others expecting nothing in return, but the experience itself always gives them something back." A Brush with Kindness offers flexible volunteer and sponsor opportunities for both small and large groups, and for highly skilled individuals that are willing to tackle repair projects on their own, or supervise small groups. For more information about how to get involved, call 612-331-4090 ext. 684. Contributed by Mary Nelson Photo courtesy of GMAC ResCap Photo caption: GMAC ResCap leaders relax after a day's work. Front: Daniel Westlund, AmeriCorps Construction Assistant. Center from left: Sharon Sayles Belton, Joan Berg and Ayako Birch of GMAC ResCap. Top from left: Liz Dwinell, GMAC ResCap, homeowner Doris Jones, and Aaron Helt, AmeriCorps Construction Assistant |
This upcoming construction season, Twin Cities
Habitat for Humanity is integrating its traditional homeownership program with
the 