The minister spent the afternoon painting and finishing joinery work on two new Habitat for Humanity houses near the Shankill Road. She worked alongside the new home owners and also had an opportunity to meet a team from Los Angeles who volunteered on the 19 home project providing affordable home ownership opportunities.
The minister said: “Volunteering is a very enriching experience. I would encourage everyone to get involved as it can make a real difference in your own life and the lives of others.
“When I launched Volunteers' Week I promised to volunteer on an affordable housing project. I’m pleased to have been able to spend some time today helping the Hutchinson and Ezidi families make the final preparations for moving into their new home. Today has given me the same satisfaction and achievement volunteers everywhere enjoy.
“This week I have met with volunteers all over Northern Ireland to thank them for the work they do in combating deprivation, disadvantage and poverty. I was pleased to have met the volunteers from the Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles who have helped out on this project. Meeting new friends and having fun go hand in hand with volunteering.”
Peter Farquharson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, said: “The spirit of volunteerism is key to building healthy communities, it strengthens relationships, develops trust and generates goodwill. Habitat for Humanity is delighted to welcome the minister to the site today as one of our 2,200 volunteers from Northern Ireland who build with Habitat each year locally and internationally.”
Looking forward to her new home, Susan Hutchinson said: “Working alongside so many volunteers to build our own home has been an amazing experience. We have met wonderful people from schools, churches and companies all over Northern Ireland and this week a team have travelled all the way from Los Angeles! Without Habitat we could not have afforded our own home and I am so grateful to all the volunteers who have helped make our dream possible.”
Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland is a cross-community self build Christian housing charity that builds simple affordable homes in partnership with low-income families and volunteers in areas impacted by deprivation. Since 1994 Habitat has brought together more than 10,000 volunteers from across Northern Ireland to build houses, build community and build hope locally and around the world.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496 or contact Simon Stuart on 07920 186639. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
- For more information about Habitat for Humanity call Jenny Williams on 07881 756132
