Photo by: JERRY W. KELLY / HOBBS NEWS-SUN

Good Neighbors Cynthia Richards, left, and Kristine Nasy are at the Expo in the
Desert telling people about the newly formed Carpenter's Club and Habitat For
Humanity.  They are talking to Richard Lloyd.

You don't need to have a lot of money or time on your hands to contribute to the newly formed Habitat for Humanity in Hobbs.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers have started a new Carpenter's Club that will allow people to sponsor as many square feet as they wish for each new home being built.  The cost is $36 per square foot.

"There are people in town who could give $72 a year but not much more than that," said Kristi Strubhart, a member of the Habitat for Humanity board of directors.  "This will keep contributions within their reach and not kill their budget.  It will also allow them a chance to contribute on an ongoing basis."

Strubhart said Habitat for Humanity hopes to build two homes a year for low-income families who qualify.  They are currently building the first home at the corner of Sunset and Houston streets which should be completed in May.

People can sponsor 2-square feet a house at $72, 3-square feet at $108 and more if desired.

"We've had people asking us 'how can we help?' so we contacted other Habitat for Humanities and this is what they suggested.  The theory is that some people who are physically unable to help build the home can contribute financially to them," Strubhart said.

You may have seen Habitat for Humanity advertising the new Carpenter's Club at this past weekend's Expo in the Desert at the Lea County Event Center.

Habitat for Humanity director Erin Owens said, "I've had people tell me they donate to the national Habitat for Humanity and wanted to know how they can contribute locally.  This is one way, and it's also a way for people who don't have time to contribute to help by giving a monetary contribution."

Owens said, "The idea for this concept is that each time a home is build a person can contribute a pledge.  It can be a singular donation or an ongoing donations each time a house is being built."

Habitat for Humanity is able to offer homes at a low cost because most of the labor is donated by volunteers who work evenings and weekends.

Strubhart said some Carpenter's Club pledge cards will be mailed, particularly to individuals and organizations that have expressed an interest in contributing on an ongoing basis.

"It's really amazing to me how many people are willing to help," Strubhart said.  "It seems like some of the busiest people in the world are the ones helping out here, but our volunteers have come from all walks of life."

"It brings out the best in people," added Owens.

For more information about the Carpenter's Club, contact Habitat for Humanity at 397-4398 or write to P.O. Box 5833.