Habitat for Humanity volunteers complete first SBC
renovation
As he stood on the front lawn of his Sixth Street home last
week, Thomas Padgett became reflective as Habitat for Humanity
volunteers gathered a few feet away to celebrate the completion of
the home’s renovation.
”
I never lost faith in humanity, but they really renewed my faith
in humanity,
”
said Padgett, a former contractor whose career was cut short by
an injury three years ago.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers complete first SBC renovation
As he stood on the front lawn of his Sixth Street home last week, Thomas Padgett became reflective as Habitat for Humanity volunteers gathered a few feet away to celebrate the completion of the home’s renovation.
“I never lost faith in humanity, but they really renewed my faith in humanity,” said Padgett, a former contractor whose career was cut short by an injury three years ago.
The estimated $40,000 renovation of the 1860s home included a new roof, paint and electrical outlets. More than 50 volunteers assisted with the three-month project, and more than 40 local businesses and individuals contributed time, money or materials to the effort.
“The community was very supportive,” said Jennifer Galindo, vice president of the local Habitat for Humanity, which was organized as a chapter in 2005, but didn’t take on a project until this year. “If people were unable to help with the labor, they offered donations of time or materials. They are excited that we were able to help a family in need. Without their generosity, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Habitat selects families or individuals to assist with home renovations based on income and loan-to-value requirements, Galindo said. Those who receive assistance, like Padgett and his wife, Patty, contribute hours of “sweat equity” – in essence, trading the value of their labor to help offset the cost of the renovation.
Last week’s dedication ceremony was designed to honor the volunteers, donors and the Padgetts, who drew praise from volunteers for their work ethic.
Niessa Bauder-Guaracha, president of the San Benito Habitat for Humanity chapter, called the group’s first renovation project “a great experience and one we’ll never forget.”
“The lesson I learned is because of the Padgett family, it really isn’t a handout, it’s a hand up,” she said. “I got more out of it than the Padgetts will have gotten with their warm house because we all have a warm heart. My children have learned that it’s great to do things for other people.”
Tables of cookies and water bottles were set up on the sidewalk outside the home during the construction completion ceremony.
Pastor Rick Pennington of the Presbyterian Church read a chapter from the Bible as he offered a prayer for the house, telling the gathering that “by blessing we are blessed.”
“This is an extension of the Lord’s work in terms of the loving hands that painted and sanded and caulked and scraped,” he said.
Former Hollister City Manager George Lewis, a member of Habitat’s local board of directors, said he and Kent Child rebuilt the porch supports of the Padgetts’ home after the new roof was installed.
“Habitat helps people who can’t always help themselves,” said Lewis, who put his background in building and engineering to work on the project. “It’s a good community effort that helps people.”
Local general contractor Jim Fehl said he had a “great time” working weekends with his friends and contacts from the construction industry.
“It was a really enjoyable project,” he said. “It was very fulfilling.”
Fehl recalled a story that Padgett shared with him after the new roof was put on:
“He told me that the first time it rained they got up in the middle of the night and got pots out because the roof had been leaking for years,” Fehl said.
Galindo said the Padgetts welcomed her into their home throughout the renovation process, making her feel like part of the family.
“There truly were times that I’d have to tell Tommy ‘don’t overdo it, you’re working too hard; sit down and relax'” she said. “I told Patty to have some water. They were so dedicated to the project, it was overwhelming. It was probably the most wonderful thing that I have ever been a part of, to be able to truly help someone out.”
Thomas Padgett, Galindo said, “worked way harder than I ever did.”
“Yeah, I can sling some paint, I can hammer some nails,” she said. “But the dedication that the Padgett family showed to Habitat truly did warm each and every one of our hearts. We could not have asked for a better family to be our partner from the get-go.”
Galindo’s mom, Sheila, presented Padgett a handmade quilt that was created by the Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County.
“Thank you, wow!” Padgett said as the quilt was unfolded.
Bauder-Guaracha said Habitat for Humanity has plans for more renovations, particularly smaller “fixer-upper” projects for people like seniors and single parents.
“We’ll also do a traditional [house] rehab, but the reason we aren’t doing a full build is because of the economy, for one,” she said. “The fact that we’re a small community and it would take a half-million dollars to do a new build makes it more important that we help as many people as we can” with smaller renovation projects.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
For more information on volunteering with or donating to the San Benito County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, as well as information about applying for renovation assistance, visit www.hfssbc.org or call Jennifer Galindo at 635-2281.
