You probably already know that Habitat volunteers, in cooperation with new homeowners, build homes for low income families. You may not be as familiar with a new program to families in making crucial repairs to their existing homes called “A Brush with Kindness.” The mission of this program is to enhance and beautify the exterior of homes of qualifying low income homeowners.

The Blanco County Chapter of the Austin Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the start of our first ABWK project on November 15 with Stacy Kamas of Blanco as our homeowner partner. She has done many repair projects herself on her home but welcomes the help from Habitat volunteers to do projects for which she does not have the construction expertise or physical strength. Volunteer crews will spend four Saturdays completing projects such as the rebuilding of the back porch, replacing sections of the siding, pressure washing, scraping, and painting portions of the exterior. The homeowner will be working alongside the volunteers providing labor, just as in Habitat’s new building projects. The value of materials for ABWK projects is limited to under $5,000. Like many other homeowners, Stacy describes her home as her largest investment in her life and is grateful that the results of this project will help maintain its’ value. She has been a single mother for the past 10 years, and works as an artisan who creates hand woven jewelry for sale at shows around the country.

Stacy notes that the Blanco Habitat Family Selection Committee was exceptionally helpful in the thorough process and paperwork required to be chosen for this program. She describes the personal information required as much like that needed for college financial aid.

Those wishing to apply for this program should call Jan Booth (830/885-6923hm, 830/237-3199cell) or Betty McNallen (830/868-4571hm, 830/385-5576cell). Those volunteering to be crew members should call David Hamm (830/868-2026 hm, 512/809-2464 cell). Experience in the construction trades is not necessary to be a crew member, but always most appreciated. Blanco County Habitat Chapter welcomes donations which can be sent to P. O. Box 1375, Blanco, TX 78606.