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Originally Posted by UnderseaLcpl
I have mixed feeling about this. On the one hand, I have always been an ardent supporter of Habitat. I've personally helped build 5 homes, and I would encourage others to invest time and money in the charity. It's worth it just to be able to do something that means that much to someone.
On the other hand, these homes, by dint of the areas they generally exsist in, can't really be expected to last too long. Sooner or later they will change hands, and in some cases, even the original owners fail to maintain them properly, either due to more pressing concerns, or simple neglect.
Nonetheless, as long as the time and effort is provided voluntarily, I support Habitat and programs like it. Charity is about giving selflessly, which means no expectation of reward or result. If the work you contribute or the money you donate is rendered worthless in six months, it is no matter. That's what makes it charity.
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My feelings exactly. I have also worked on many Habitat projects and the quality of the construction varied by site and local sponsor. Some of the sites had excellent ratios of professional contractor(advisors) to volunteers and others we were just left to our own devices. I heard plenty of tales of contractors having to come in and rip out and re do much of the construction that the volunteers did because they(the volunteers) meant well but didn't know what the heck they were doing.
It's a great program overall, though. The idea of 'sweat-equity' for the future owners, that they have to put in many hours working on the house themselves, really helps to put a face on the work you are doing.