Click photo to enlarge
Some people think the best way to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness is to get more people involved in the solution. The organization called Habitat for Humanity is trying to do just that.

On a quiet street in Mountain View you can hear the sounds of construction. It's where volunteers are busy building homes for Habitat for Humanity—people like Ryan Jaramillo.

Jaramillo is a banker for Wells Fargo on most days; but on this day he was hanging drywall. He tells us he came to work prepared for anything.

"I brought goggles, gloves, ear protection—just in case. I had no idea. I thought we might be painting, but we were putting up dry wall, which I've never done before. It's fun!"

Habitat says volunteers don't

need experience. They will teach you what you need to know on site. Volunteer co-coordinator Britany Thompson says people are often surprised at how much fun it can be:

"For people who don't have construction experience, the first time they come here and are able to hammer nails and put up walls and trusses, they love it!"

And many people also love getting to know the families that will own these homes, often working with them side-by-side.

Yer Vang started her long journey to home ownership in a refuge camp in Southeast Asia. Soon, her family of eight will have a new home of their own.

"I am very thankful to everyone who has helped me build my home."

And the folks at Habitat say they are thankful too, for the volunteers who give their time.

Even if you only have a day, they would love to hear from you. With several projects in Anchorage, they are looking for volunteers who can work anytime during the week.

If you'd like more information, you can call Britany Thompson at (907) 272-0800 or check at their Web site at www.habitatforhumanity.org.

To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.