Photos: CMC Students volunteer to help build home with Habitat for Humanity

Local | February 25, 2017

Second semester CMC Rifle student, Jesus Raygoza, nails a stud into one of the walls in a Habitat for Humanity duplex being built in Silt. "It means alot and feels good to be out here and be able to really help somebody else", Raygoza said. Raygoza has been part of the trio program since he started college and he would reccomend Trio to everyone. "Trio really helps me out. Whenever I need help in school, I can get tutoring or if I have any problems, I can always get help. I would recommend Trio to everyone, especially if you are a first generation student, they help you alot and really guide you",he said. One day, Raygoza hopes to become a civil engineer once he graduates from college.
Rebecca Milam / Post Independent Intern |
Habitat for Humanity Site Superintendent, Rick Farr, teaches the volunteers how to use the nail gun to attach the plywood to the outside wall of the two story duplex in Silt. "It's truly rewarding to have Trio volunteering today. To have these young people showing interest in volunteering and being excited about continuing their education after high school and just seeing how sharp they are is really encouraging," said Farr.
Rebecca Milam / Post Independent Intern |
On Saturday, Josh and Renae May, with kids Erin and Kaylynn, got to visit their future home that is being built by the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity in Silt. "This house means a lot to us. We are so lucky to be selected and we are really thankful of everybody for coming out and helping us", said Renae. "Being a homeowner is what people strive for and habitat allows people that may not otherwise be able to afford a home get the same opportunity as alot of other people", said Josh.
Rebecca Milam / Post Independent Intern |
After building one of the first walls on the second floor of the duplexes, Trio students work together to lift the wall into place. Trio student volunteers get the opportunity to learn real life skills with the help of the Roaring Fork Habitat for Humanity. "Habitat for Humanity does so much for the community and as a part of National Trio Day, we wanted to pay it forward", said CMC Trio Coordinator, Gethzemani Hammond.
Rebecca Milam / Post Independent Intern |
With the help of Habitat for Humanity, about 30 Trio student volunteers from the high school Upward Bound program and the college SSS program, got the opportunity to learn skills that they can use in jobs and careers once they are out of school. "I think everybody benefits from volunteering. I just heard a student at lunch say that they wanted to change their career, now they want to be a project manager. I think we all get to learn about everything and it's a good opportunity for all of us", said CMC Trio Coordinator, Gethzemani Hammond.
Rebecca Milam / Post Independent Intern |
Rose, a student volunteer from Trio, learns how to use a table saw to cut wood for the two flights of stairs being put into one of the duplexes. Many of these students have never had the opportunity to use power tools before and Habitat for Humanity makes it a possibilty for each and every student to learn.
Rebecca Milam / Post Independent Intern |