Heather Latter
Diane Noonan has been interested in “Habitat for Humanity” since former U.S. President Jimmy Carter got involved with the organization in 1984.
Wanting to help out, as well, the Fort Frances resident headed to Louisiana from Nov. 25-Dec. 3 to lend a hand.
“I always thought that would be such an interesting and rewarding thing to do, and someday I would like to part of a it,” she noted.
But because “Habitat for Humanity” doesn’t have a local affiliate, it became one of those “some day” ideas for Noonan.
“Then, not too long ago, I read an article about ‘Habitat’ and thought, ‘Why not? Now is as good a time as any,’” she reasoned.
Noonan checked out the organization’s website and discovered that Thunder Bay has an affiliate.
“I contacted them about volunteering, but they were just in the finishing stages of building a house and wouldn’t be starting a new build until spring,” she explained, adding she was hoping for something sooner.
That’s when she was told about the Global Village program, which started up in response to requests for international short-term volunteer opportunities.
Noonan e-mailed Global Village Canada, filled out an application, and had an interview. Within a week, she was scheduled to go to Thibodaux, La. for a 10-day stint.
“There are many areas of Louisiana that were devastated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and rebuilding is ongoing,” she noted, saying she travelled to a small community, Gray, outside of Thibodaux, where a subdivision of about 70 “Habitat” houses have been built.
She added the street is named “Bon Jovi Blvd.” because he donated $1 million towards the project.
Noonan indicated there are many places around the world to volunteer at.
“But because this was going to be my first ‘Habitat’ build and I wasn’t sure what to expect, I went with something safe,” she said.
“Going to a build in the United States, where you know the language and culture, is a lot different than one in a developing or Third World country.
“I don’t think I’m quite ready for that yet,” she admitted. “But who knows, maybe someday.”
Despite going somewhere with a familiar language, Noonan still learned a lot about the southern culture.
“We learned about the history, the people, went to museums, so that was wonderful,” she enthused. “We got a good sense of the culture and tried to experience their lifestyle.
“So you get that with it, but you are there to work,” she stressed.
Noonan met the members of her team when she arrived. There was a bit of disappointment by the first-time crew when they discovered that they would be renovating a home, rather than building one from the ground up.
“When you travel to a site, you’re never sure what you will be doing,” she explained. “So many things affect it—weather, delivery of supplies, what was accomplished by previous volunteer groups, etc.
“We experienced almost everything that can throw you off track,” she noted, recalling they were rained out for two days, there was a lack of materials, and supplies couldn’t be delivered.
“We were lucky to have a great team leader, so we just went with the flow and changed direction often,” she reasoned.
That’s why much of their time ended up being spent gutting the interior of a house.
“We became the demolition crew,” Noonan said. “That and a lot of painting.”
The team also had a chance to tour some of the areas hit by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
“It’s amazing what a huge area that was affected,” Noonan remarked. “You go down streets where things haven’t been repaired and some of the houses sit empty.
“They are completely demolished and not livable.”
Noonan said all of the houses have markings on them, which indicate the date that firefighters or people went in to rescue, or if people died in there.
“So in areas where they haven’t been able to do anything with, you see these numbers and letters on the walls and it kind of tells the story of what happened in the particular house,” she explained, adding some people are living in houses that are in terrible condition.
“It’s really eye-opening to see it all,” Noonan admitted. “A lot of people haven’t returned. They have nothing to return to.
“It’s really quite sad, but you see the hope in people who are trying to do good.”
Noonan said volunteers with the organization pay for all their own expenses in advance.
“That includes costs directly related to the build, such as meals, accommodations, transportation [not airfare], etc.,” she indicated.
“Plus a significant donation to the host affiliate.”
Noonan said a tax receipt is issued for these expenses, as well as for the cost of airfare, which is booked independently.
“Any expense not related to the build is also paid in advance but is not tax deductible,” she noted, adding that would includes any “R and R” time that’s usually part of a trip.
“Volunteering ends up costing about the same as a nice vacation,” she admitted. “But for anyone interested in doing something like this, it is definitely worth it.
“It’s a wonderful program,” she lauded. “It offers a chance to see different places and learn about different people, and at the same time you’re helping.”
Noonan also said it was a great experience.
“Fulfilling and a bit adventurous,” she remarked. “A team of eight strangers came together for different reasons, but with a common goal of helping others.
“We worked together, ate together, lived together, got lost driving together, and experienced the culture of the South together.”
She added they became part of an effort to rebuild the lives of those who have lost so much.
“I am so grateful for the good life I was blessed with and I am thankful for this opportunity to help those not so fortunate,” Noonan said, adding she’s looking forward to her next build.
She’s hoping to help out in Thunder Bay in the spring because it will feel good to help people who are more local and who also are in need.
