Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County is excited to welcome a seven-member AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team to Pagosa Springs.
From August 4 through September 23, these young adults will work alongside Habitat’s core volunteers, partner families and traveling Care-A-Vanners to help build the final four homes in Habitat’s “15 Homes in 5 Years” campaign.
AmeriCorps NCCC is a national service program for young adults ages 18-24 who spend 10 months traveling throughout the country, serving communities through hands-on projects ranging from environmental conservation and infrastructure improvement to historic preservation. For these young volunteers, the experience is an opportunity to learn new skills, explore career paths, meet people from different communities and most importantly, make a tangible difference wherever they serve.
AmeriCorps NCCC team member Madeline Conway said, “Our team, Raven 2, just arrived in Pagosa Springs for our third project. We began the program in February of this year and completed training in Denver, Colo., before shipping off to the rural town of Roan Mountain, Tenn., for two months to do disaster recovery construction work, specifically repairing homes that had been damaged by Hurricane Helene. Then, in May, we flew to the opposite coast and conducted outdoor recreation area maintenance all over Northern California. This included clearing overgrown trails, campsites and boat launches.
“Through our first two projects we learned lifelong skills, and we are so excited to now be continuing our service term in Pagosa Springs. Here, we will be working with Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County helping to construct homes. We also will be working with the town upkeeping some of Pagosa’s parks and cemeteries. And, finally, we will be helping with some housekeeping and landscaping at the St. Patrick’s church which is graciously housing us while we are here. We have already been welcomed so warmly, and we can’t wait to get even more immersed into the community of this beautiful town.”
Our community provides the incredible support that makes Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County possible. On behalf of our homeowners, the businesses that employ them, and the children and families who depend on them, we are deeply grateful. Every Habitat home is built through a true community effort: bringing together volunteers, skilled subcontractors, generous in-kind donations of products and services, and the hard work of our partner families. Habitat homeowners work side by side with volunteers to build their homes, invest sweat equity in their community, and ultimately purchase their home with an affordable mortgage.
Together, we are building more than houses; we are building strength, stability and a stronger community. For Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County, their arrival brings an exciting boost of energy, helping turn hard work, teamwork and community support into safe, affordable homes for local families.