Jim McKiernan, editorializing on the Habitat for Humanity operation at Snoqualmie Ridge [Oct. 11], reflects the views of a critic lacking understanding of how the Habitat program works and offering little positive encouragement for volunteers to continue coming forth to complete the project.
McKiernan says “review of the process by which Habitat sets up and manages the project” is the most important next step for leadership to accomplish. Wrong!
What is needed is for Habitat management to impress on your paper, other media, service groups and churches the importance of letting the public know of the priority need for people skilled in the various home building trades (electrical, plumbing, etc.) to volunteer for just a day or two at the Ridge. Let those people know of the good things that can accrue to them from a day on the Habitat job. Personal satisfaction, public recognition and thanks are just a few of those things.
If Habitat has already contacted the Record about this, and the Record’s response was McKiernan’s editorial, shame on the Record. Rather than lamenting the slow pace of home completion, McKiernan might have used his space to praise the volunteers who have been showing up daily since the blitz to move the homes toward completion.
McKiernan should realize, if he thinks it through, the Habitat process is already almost as good as it’s probably going to get. The reason is each blitz project is a very complex venture of faith that a big beginning will somehow end in happy homeowners. Habitat management has to build homes without the organizational controls enjoyed by professional builders. Promotion and marketing of “volunteer work opportunities” are major components of success. Sometimes critical need – like getting houses under roof before winter – is necessary before the qualified people realize it’s time to show up.
Wouldn’t it be better if the Record concentrated on working with the Habitat folks to get the word out to the community of what’s needed and who can do it? A weekly update? Then someday you can report the part the Record played in getting the job done – a visible feather in the Valley cap.
Dave Olson
North Bend
