Wayne State University volunteers helped the organization Habitat for Humanity build new homes for low income Detroiters last month. Called Build Blitz '97, the June 23-28 project attracted workers David Barnett and Fran Ahern, both of design services in Facilities, Planning and Management. The project resulted in the construction of 20 homes within one week.

Habitat for Humanity-Detroit managed the blitz held in the Westwood Park neighborhood. The activity turned 100,000 unpaid hours of work and $1.8 million of cash and in-kind donations into affordable housing for qualified buyers.

Barnett, an architect engineer, joined the habitat project through his church, Kirk in the Woods, in Bloomfield Hills. The church sponsored a home in Ferndale and he worked there until the home developed foundation problems. Then, he moved over to the Detroit project.

During his week of participation, Barnett worked with people in different careers and shared new experiences. He and a physician worked together on the Detroit project; he also laid roof shingles on the hottest day of the year. Barnett was pleased that, provided they had direction, people could build a house by working together.

Ahern, project manager at Wayne State since June 16, also joined a habitat project through her church, St. Ives in Southfield. This was her first experience building a house.

"They had great mentors," she said. "Everyone pitched in to help the family get a new home. Even the neighbors brought over Rice Krispie treats," she said.

She plans to coordinate a group from Wayne State for Blitz Build '98. Interested volunteers may call her at 577-7657.

Co-sponsors for the Blitz include Motor City Blight Busters, Northwest Detroit Neighborhood Development and Northwest Detroit Non-Profit Housing.

Volunteers always are needed and must be 16 years old due to insurance requirements. Workdays are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. To sign up call the office (313) 521-6691. Each site has a supervisor and crew leaders to coordinate the work.

Various groups participate in other Michigan Habitat locations. The Michigan Trial Lawyers Association members, for example, help in Detroit, Oakland County, Rogers City, Grand Rapids and Big Rapids.

Potential homeowners must undergo a rigorous qualification process and receive a no-interest loan. They must be able to make payments and maintain a home. Monthly payments go to Habitat and are used to help build or renovate additional homes. Remarkably the default rate on the loans is less than one percent.

Vera and Michael Kidd, owners of a 1995 Blitz Build home in Westwood Park and the parents of three children, plan to help another family realize their dream of home ownership this year by again pounding nails and painting walls. The Kidd's put in more than 460 hours of sweat equity building their own home in 1995. Homeowners in lieu of a down payment require a minimum of 400 hours.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical organization established in 1976 at Americus, Georgia by Millard Fuller. On April 19, 1986 the metropolitan Detroit chapter became an official part of the national organization. Today thousands of chapters cover the United States and the world.