GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Habitat for Humanity hosted its eighth annual Leaders Build on Thursday, Oct. 5, where more than 60 dutiful volunteers worked to raise the now 182nd and 183rd houses attributed to the nonprofit.  

Buzzing saws, pounding hammers and a Bluetooth speaker tied to overhead plywood created the clamor that could be heard down Belle Avenue. The construction site was loud, busy and inspiring.
“They come today to have fun!” said Executive Director Carolyn Edwards. 
The volunteers worked with vigor in hot, humid conditions. One volunteer was Orange Park Police Chief Gary Goble, who manned the saw. The endeavor marks the second week of an estimated 12-week-long project to build safe, clean homes for two families.  
“For most families, their house is the largest and most important asset,” said Edwards.  
Homeownership is important for more than just financial reasons.
“Families living in homes benefit from improved health, stability and grades from school,” she said.  
Many Habitat for Humanity homes beneficiaries come from unhealthy and insecure living conditions, Edwards said. A “roof over the head” imparts psychological as much as physical shelter that grants families the foundation to pursue education, employment and official citizenship.  
Habitat hires professionals to lay the foundation, wiring and plumbing. But without volunteers to cut and plaster vinyl panels along the side, to install the windows or frame the front door – the 183 donated homes never would have been built.    
If you have an interest in giving back to the community and learning practical hardware skills in a safe, cooperative environment, learn more at clayhabitat.org. 
“Volunteers are the drive of the organization,” said Edwards. “Without volunteers, without the community, we are nothing.”