Fourteen FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity volunteers the first week, and sixteen the second week, participated in a build with the Highlands County, FL, Habitat for Humanity affiliate from February 9 through February 21, 2003. The build, and one in Ocala, FL, followed the FMCA Southeast Area Rally in Brooksville, FL.

Coaches parked with full hookups at the Lake Glenada RV and Mobile Home Park in Avon Park. All coaches were given the Good Neighbor rate for the first week, and paid $130.00 for the second 7-day week. The campground worked to accommodate our group whose coaches were large for many of the campground sites.

Sunday, February 9, the team gathered at the campground for orientation and for the mandatory review of the FMCA safety guidelines. The group then joined affiliate and community members in Sebring for the dedication ceremonies of a Habitat for Humanity home for Mr. Sanchez and his grandson. For many in our group this was a first time to see the happy end result of a home being completed and presented to the partner family.

We were guests of the affiliate for a pizza supper at the volunteer apartment above the affiliate Re Store in Sebring. Affiliate executive director, Jane Breylinger, board president Tom Mustio, board members and volunteers were present. Volunteer coordinator Penne Manar joined us on other occasions, including the kindergarten class Valentine lunch and when the massage therapist came for our special chair massage treat.

Each workday started with thoughtful devotions at the work site, or at the campground when the group divided into teams headed for different job sites. Morning break snacks were sent to the different locations, but the group came together for all lunches, which were provided by area churches. When feasible, the leaders requested that our group be assigned to jobs at the same location.

An affiliate member on a previous build (Perry, GA, I believe) lamented that everyone comes to volunteer wanting to wield a hammer—which is fine—but where things often bog down are getting all the later projects done that get a family into the home.

Our group helped Highlands County do many of these jobs. Many of us commented how good it was to learn a variety of new skills.

Among the 23 different jobs our group accomplished on one or more of the four homes under construction were: building a shed from slab to completion; laying tile floors, insulating, and sheet rocking a whole house; installing doors, shelving, kitchen countertops, and marble window sills; painting, and concrete work. Storm doors were added to two already occupied homes. This was the result of approximately 1,000 volunteer hours.

As on an earlier FMCA build, local volunteers were surprised our group had not previously worked together.

Food and fellowship played their usual important parts in this FMCA Habitat for Humanity build. Daily 5 o’clock social hours preceded several shared dinners and one planned pot luck featuring salmon caught in Alaska by Rich Poe and pork tenderloins. Good use was made of Rita and Sonny West’s Brooksville purchase of the propane campfire with the large wok for cooking.

A special Valentine’s evening dinner was shared at the historic Jackaranda Hotel in Avon Park. Our farewell dinner at Homer’s Buffet allowed a nostalgic recap of our time in Highlands County. The affiliate gave us t-shirts, which we wore in our group picture and for the local newspaper publicity shot. Two articles about us were in the paper during our stay. Many builders contributed pictures/c-d discs, and Sandy Poe compiled a pictorial history of our two weeks in Highlands County.

The following paragraph was in the affiliates newsletter, which arrived this week:
“We give a tremendous amount of credit and our sincere appreciation to…………….and the Family Motor Coach Association led by Bill and Rosemary McLaughlin. You are welcome back anytime. It’s such a blessing to have volunteers with such a positive “can do” attitude like yours! Well done good and faithful servants!”

John and Shirley came for just one night and had to leave before getting to build. Their coach purchased at Brooksville required work back at the dealer. Mike and Pat came for the 2nd week of the build.

Ed and Nell agree with us that being team leaders of this group was fun and rewarding. Five of the eight coaches (six if John and Shirley had been able to stay) were on their first FMCA Habitat for Humanity build, although many had building experience.
There is definitely team leadership potential here.

Bill and Rosemary McLaughlin
FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity
Team Leaders: Highlands County Florida Build: 2003

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