Build-A-Thoning…

This past May I had the opportunity to participate in a Habitat sponsored AmeriCorps event in Seattle, Wa.  For one week the Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Seattle, Kings County, hosted numerous AmeriCorps volunteers from across the country to join together and get things done for America.  This is a yearly event know as Build-a-Thon, and it is definitely one of the most exciting events of my service term.  Not only did I get to travel to the wonderful west, I also had the opportunity to partake in some strategic formwork building and an intense concrete pour!  Now… I have helped pour concrete foundations before… but nothing quite like this!  The Habitat affiliate in Seattle used the AmeriCorps forces to assist in 3 different projects, I was on the team responsible for ensuring a multi-unit town home doesn’t… well… fall down.  Exciting!  And messy!  I was ready though 🙂

Constructing the formwork took a few days, but the concrete pour took only an afternoon.  It took me back to my glorious construction days, and reminded me of how the building processes are an intricate part to the vitality of our constructed world.  Along with hundreds of other AmeriCorps members who serve with Habitat for Humanity affiliates around the country, I help build homes, communities and hope.  Habitat for Humanity, who is one of the largest homebuilders in the country, relies heavily on the AmeriCorps members to complete projects like this everyday and help make the possibility of homeownership available to a multitude of families.  Because of volunteer efforts as a whole, AmeriCorps and beyond, homes are more affordable for Habitat homeowners and their families.

Despite the rain… everyday… a long day on site was complimented with evenings of site seeing and overeating.  Who knew Seattle was full of great touristy things to do?? I made sure I made it to see some architectural gems, including the public library by Architect Koolhaas, and The EMP by Architect Gehry.  Felt good to see a building that makes your heart flutter…