USS Constitution Helps Habitat for Humanity

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kathryn Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

April 26, 2010 - DES MOINES, Iowa (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Constitution volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity site in Des Moines, Iowa, April 21.

The event happened as part of Navy Week Des Moines, from April 19-24.

Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Savage, executive officer of USS Constitution, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Laura Worden, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Rob Rademaker, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airmen Dylan Roberts and Fireman Esteban Quintero performed restoration work on a Habitat for Humanity house.

Habitat for Humanity offers affordable homes to families who qualify.

"It's always good to give when you can," said Worden. "I feel rewarded by helping other people. You never know when you're going to be in a situation when you need help."

Sailors spent eight hours building a staircase to the basement, finishing walls and installing window wells.

"I've never really contributed to building a house before," said Worden. "It will be a good experience, and maybe I'll learn how to build my own house."

Kim Stangl, site manager, said the majority of work at Habitat for Humanity homes is done by volunteers, which cuts labor costs and makes homeownership more affordable.

To qualify for the program, depends on the level of the family's need, willingness to become a Habitat for Humanity partner and ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest loan.

"I'm very excited," said future homeowner, Abraham, who immigrated to the United States from Liberia after spending seven years in a refugee camp on the Ivory Coast. "Home ownership is an investment in my family's future."

The primary purpose of Navy Week is to increase Navy awareness by showcasing the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. Des Moines Navy Week showcases the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provides residents the opportunity to meet Sailors firsthand.

USS Constitution participates in more than 50 volunteer projects annually. Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.