HFH Wisconsin is partnering with HFH WI River Area to help the small village of La Valle recover from the devastating floods in August. Many homes and businesses were damaged, including a small community-owned apartment building, home to eight low-income senior citizens. The town asked Habitat for help renovating the apartments so that the seniors can return to their homes. Our goal is to have the apartments finished by Christmas.

The village was able to “muck out” the apartments and remove the damaged materials, but they needed help installing new drywall, cabinets, and flooring. Habitat volunteers have been working tirelessly alongside the community since December 1st. Many of the volunteers have come from UW Milwaukee, thanks to the UWM VISTA alumnus Jordan Davis, who has coordinated three groups of UW Milwaukee students to help with the project.

Some of HFH Wisconsin’s VISTA members wanted to help out, and a small group teamed up for a day of hands-on volunteering. Shelby, who is serving as a Volunteer Development VISTA with HFH Racine, was able to experience how HFH Wisconsin Rivera Area conducts their onsite orientation for volunteers - and also learned to use a nail gun and install baseboards. Courtney and Danyelle, who serve with HFH Dane County developing volunteer and donation programs for the Habitat ReStores, were able to experience the homebuilding side of Habitat - and learned how to use a miter saw and install baseboards. For Yemisi, who is new to Habitat for Humanity, it was an in-depth introduction to rural poverty, rehab work, power tools, and the Habitat spirit.