BAKERSFIELD, CA-- Habitat for Humanity donated its 58th home in Kern County to a southwest Bakersfield family. For three years, parents Matthew and Rachel Clayton served as missionaries in Papua, New Guinea. When they came back to Bakersfield they found themselves living with family until Habitat for Humanity stepped in.
“Just being overwhelmed with seeing everyone that's kinda put a hand into it,” Clayton said after he received the keys to his new three bedroom home. “Talking with the kids from the Kern Schools to hear them say 'oh yeah I removed these staples, I helped with the trim I painted this or I scraped this."
The Kern Schools Youth Builder Program also helped perfect the home.
"Many of these students this is the first opportunity they had to actually handle tools, to be on a job, to paint and to be apart of a team,” said Joseph White, teacher.
Santos Villa said he's thankful for the opportunity to add new skills to his resume, along with helping a family.
"Like, really touching,” Villa said. “It made me feel really good about it. It feels good to make someone happy like that."
Habitat for Humanity usually focuses on building homes for veterans. If no veterans are in need when a home is ready then it's offered to the general public. Part of the reason the faith based organization chose the Claytons was their missionary work. Habitat homeowners must pay up to 500 hours of sweat equity by performing community service. Clayton said he can't wait to get started.
"It just seems like there is a whole lot of good being generated here and almost no negatives side effects whatsoever,” Clayton said. “We’re benefited from it. The fact that all these kids have put in their time and energy into it. It is such a blessing for us."
Habitat for Humanity plans on donating seven homes this year, the most in a year so far. If you would like more information about volunteering, visit its website at www.habitatbakersfield.org
“Just being overwhelmed with seeing everyone that's kinda put a hand into it,” Clayton said after he received the keys to his new three bedroom home. “Talking with the kids from the Kern Schools to hear them say 'oh yeah I removed these staples, I helped with the trim I painted this or I scraped this."
The Kern Schools Youth Builder Program also helped perfect the home.
"Many of these students this is the first opportunity they had to actually handle tools, to be on a job, to paint and to be apart of a team,” said Joseph White, teacher.
Santos Villa said he's thankful for the opportunity to add new skills to his resume, along with helping a family.
"Like, really touching,” Villa said. “It made me feel really good about it. It feels good to make someone happy like that."
Habitat for Humanity usually focuses on building homes for veterans. If no veterans are in need when a home is ready then it's offered to the general public. Part of the reason the faith based organization chose the Claytons was their missionary work. Habitat homeowners must pay up to 500 hours of sweat equity by performing community service. Clayton said he can't wait to get started.
"It just seems like there is a whole lot of good being generated here and almost no negatives side effects whatsoever,” Clayton said. “We’re benefited from it. The fact that all these kids have put in their time and energy into it. It is such a blessing for us."
Habitat for Humanity plans on donating seven homes this year, the most in a year so far. If you would like more information about volunteering, visit its website at www.habitatbakersfield.org