Honoring Martin Luther King Through Service

From top left counterclockwise: HUD staff frame one of the room corners; HUD staff receive safety tips and instructions before getting to work; sparks fly as Temeca Henderson uses the chop saw; staff pose for group shots after the work is done.

Each January, staff in HUD's New York Regional Office participate in a volunteer project to advance HUD's mission and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, that meant a trip to the East New York/Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn to help build an affordable multifamily building with Habitat for Humanity NYC.

A dozen staff showed up on a beautiful mid-winter day, and were tasked with framing a room on the 4th floor of the active construction site - promptly getting to work. As power tools roared and sparks flew, it was a powerful reminder of the actual work and "sweat equity" that goes into each and every affordable housing development across the City and Region. Volunteers ended the day exhausted but satisfied: they can now say truthfully that they've built a little piece of New York. When completed, these 2-bedroom units will be available to purchase for low-income families who helped build them, giving them the opportunity to participate in the American Dream.

Every day, HUD staff make a difference in their communities through their commitment to HUD's mission and vision: to provide quality affordable homes, to end homelessness, and to strengthen our nation's cities. Yet as we pursue these goals from Washington DC, 26 Federal Plaza, or working with partners in Statehouses and City Halls across New York and New Jersey, there is no substitute for the experience of building housing from the ground up. Our thanks to partners at Habitat for Humanity NYC for the chance to join you for a day of service in honor of Dr. King.

Learn more about HUD's Self-Help Homeownership Equity Program.

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