> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Volunteers look to raise the roof - URL: https://www.smdp.com/volunteers-look-to-raise-the-roof/ - Published: 2007-07-24T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T02:21:37.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Community, Santa Monica, #archive-import *By REAGAN WHEELER Special to the Daily Press* CARSON The signs of manual labor were everywhere inside the Keegan Warehouse on Saturday — the clanging of metal on metal, the blisters, the grunts of physical exertion. Still, even the sweat dripping down their faces couldn’t wipe away the workers’ satisfied smiles. Roughly 30 patrons of St. Monica Catholic Church, 725 California Ave., were up bright and early Saturday morning, meeting in the church’s parking lot, before taking part in a Habitat for Humanity project to build walls for four new homes. The church sends volunteers once a month to a regional Habitat site. This past weekend, Sharon Zdunowski, co-chair for the Habitat for Humanity Ministry at St. Monica’s, greeted the sleepy-eyed volunteers. “When we see Sharon and the others from St. Monica’s, we say ‘Oh, it’s St. Monica Day,’” said Habitat volunteer Sue Hunt, of Wilmington, Calif., who has been volunteering with the organization for two years. Volunteers from St. Monica’s have been helping Habitat for Humanity build houses for families in need since 1998, building many of the 180 homes that have been completed in Los Angeles County. The concept that grew into Habitat for Humanity International was born in 1942 outside Americus, Ga., on a small, interracial, Christian farm — Koinonia Farm — the brainchild of farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. Millard and Linda Fuller visited the farm in 1965 and developed the idea of “partnership housing,” where those in need of shelter and volunteers worked side by side to build simple, affordable houses. The Fullers founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976. On Saturday, the group from St. Monica’s set out for the warehouse — a last-minute location change due to volunteer numbers. They journeyed in carpools, spending the 30-minute minute drive telling stories of their previous Habitat experiences or sharing their expectations for their first “build.” Many were first-time volunteers, including Meghan Storm, 27, who moved from Savannah, Ga., to Santa Monica a year ago. “I heard about the build through the bulletin at church,” said Storm. “I do architecture, so I wanted to come help out and get hands-on experience.” Storm, who attends St. Monica Church, brought along her friend and roommate, who was busy hammering away at a wall frame. “I think it’s really good for us volunteers to see the people out here who are receiving the houses and for them to see us, too,” shared Storm. The recipients of the houses built by Habitat volunteers work alongside them at build sites. Four future homeowners — all with families to support — were on hand at the warehouse on Saturday. They worked hand-in-hand with St. Monica volunteers to build the structures they would one day call home. Pounding nails on Saturday, house recipient Ruben Gonzalez was thrilled to see more than 40 volunteers pitching in. His five children, wife and mother-in-law are all expected to move into the house by January 2008 — 14 months after he applied for a home. “I just thank the Lord that this organization is helping us out,” said Gonzalez. “I expect to become a volunteer after we move in. Without the volunteers, who would do the work?” For all intents and purposes, Gonzalez hit the nail on the head. Volunteers, like those from St. Monica, play a huge role in getting the houses built for people in need of some helping hands. However, Gonzalez and the other recipients do have to help with the construction, putting in a required 500 “sweat equity” hours before they can move into their new digs. “We have to do manual labor,” said Gonzalez. “I expected that.” In October 2006, Gonzalez attended a seminar that explained the process behind obtaining a Habitat-made house and the history of the organization. Initially, it was a lot of paperwork, but well worth it, he said. Fellow recipient Carmen Ruiz agreed. To date, she has worked nearly 40 hours and was happy to be on hand Saturday with the volunteers. “It’s very exciting to work with different types of people,” Ruiz said. “They’re all friendly and nice, plus they help us finish faster so we can move in sooner.” One of those volunteers on hand over the weekend, helping Ruiz and Gonzalez move in faster, was Sara Fairfoot, who started with Habitat in February. Like most of those in Carson, Fairfoot heard about the build through the St. Monica’s bulletin. “My first experience was building sawhorses at Frank’s house,” said Fairfoot, referring to Frank Casano, the co-chair for the Habitat for Humanity Ministry at St. Monica’s. “My next experience was going to New Orleans to build a house in Musicians’Village.” Casano, who was unable to make it to the build on Saturday, said that the he and Zdunowski have gathered more than 300 names and e-mail addresses of people wanting to volunteer and those who have volunteered. “It’s neat to see business people come out and swing a hammer,” said Casano. “It’s amazing what can happen. We’re doing more than building a house.” Casano and Zdunowski spearheaded St. Monica’s involvement with Habitat. Both accompanied Fairfoot to New Orleans earli-er this year, where, within one week, they went from having just two walls up to nearly an entire house constructed. “When I heard about the opportunity to go down to New Orleans, I kind of jumped up and down and said ‘Let’s go,’” said Casano. Even though the New Orleans experience was an once-in-a-lifetime chance for the volunteers involved, every opportunity to volunteer is life-changing and fun, according to Casano. After each build, many volunteers make new friends and a newfound appreciation for hard work is gained. “Whether you’re doing it for God or just for fun, it’s still great,” said Sue Hunt. “You get to meet families, who are truly precious, at dedications and the people you work with become your buddies.” For more information about Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitat.org. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/072407-15_01.jpg) (Photo: Special to the Daily Press) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 24, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/072407.pdf?ref=smdp.com)