When I first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Tucson, I had really only intended to do a little construction, and be involved at a very ‘surface’ level. So when the office called, and asked if I would be willing to serve on the Partnership Committee, I was a little apprehensive!

However, the prospect of working directly with a family that would be purchasing a Habitat home seemed exciting and somewhat of an adventure to me. Having just purchased a home myself in the past year, and encountering all sorts of obstacles and challenges, I counted it as a privilege to help someone else through that process. I figured that if I could make this process even one bit easier for a family, it would be worth the time and effort. Therefore, I accepted the challenge!

Then I met Mandana, and her two beautiful daughters, Micky and Melody. It was such a joy just to talk to her on the phone that first time, as I learned that she, too, was a single Mom of two, and was very excited about owning her own home.

Mandana was so grateful to have someone to mentor her through this process, and we hit if off immediately. I was a bit nervous to meet with them the first time to go over her budget, but she was so receptive and just wanted to know what to do and how to proceed.

Throughout the following months I joined Mandana on many of the builds on her house and her neighbors’, and attended all of the homeowner education classes with her. As time progressed, so did Mandana’s confidence in the home-ownership process, and so did our friendship.

I will never forget her amazement at the volunteerism at Habitat for Humanity. The first time we met to work on the construction of her house, she looked around, wide-eyed, at all of the people buzzing around and exclaimed, “Wow, all these people are here to help me build my house…and they’re not getting paid!” She later went on to say that this experience has inspired her to give back, and that is the true spirit of Habitat – giving, receiving, and giving back again. And on and on it goes.

Mandana and her family are now happily situated in their new home and enjoying every minute of their new lives. We continue to meet and spend time together, for we were not only partners in the Habitat process, but have become life-long friends. As for my experience with Habitat, I seriously felt that every thing I did was an absolute privilege and I was honored to have this opportunity. I recommend volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to anyone who wants to give the best of themselves and bring out the best in others. There is nothing like it in the world!

By Janet Ash, Habitat for Humanity Family Partner