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Mt. Carmel’s 25-year partnership with Habitat extends to 9th Ward
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By Sage Black MCA Class of 2020
Photo | COURTESY MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY
When most people think of Habitat for Humanity, construction and painting come to mind. Most of the volunteer work I’ve done with Habitat for Humanity has been laying the foundations for houses, repainting, caulking windows, and other repairs, but the latest Habitat event I worked was not at all what I expected.
Instead of working on a single house, 58 Mount Carmel Academy junior and senior volunteers joined forces with AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a volunteer group of young adults, to clean up an entire neighborhood in the Lower 9th Ward.
We realized immediately that it would not have the immediate gratification of painting a house. A critical part of this project was cleaning storm drains. That might not sound like much, but it was probably one of the most important things we did that day.
We were able to reduce potential flooding and future property damage in the neighborhood. Our efforts were gratifying because neighbors thanked us for the work. Some even joined us in the project. In six hours, we collected enough trash and debris to fill 44 large garbage bags. More importantly, we grasped how much our communities needed us.
For Mount Carmel junior Gabby Womble, volunteering is more than fulfilling school service requirements.
“I felt proud to help the community and be an active member of a society that really cares about its citizens,” she said. “Through service projects, I have learned not only about Habitat as an organization but also about the people who benefit from volunteer efforts.
“With Habitat, you work side-by-side with a person living in that house and can easily imagine the impact to that person’s life. Our work with Habitat is not just to build homes for those in need; it’s to show our concern to surrounding communities.”
Mount Carmel Academy has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for nearly 25 years under the leadership of Sue Buras, Mount Carmel’s student activities director. MCA students, alumnae and faculty members have completed more than 24,000 hours of service for Habitat.
Students say Habitat for Humanity has changed their perspective on service, and Mount Carmel students will continue to lend a helping hand as long as it is needed.
Isn’t that what volunteer work is really all about?
It is imperative that we, as a community and as members of the Catholic Church, strive to improve the lives of those around us, whether it be through volunteer work, donations or just a smile.Consider doing something for others, not out of civic obligation but for no reason other than to make a positive impact in the lives of others.