Handy helpers

Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteers in order to provide its services, and you don't have to be a skilled carpenter to help out.

“We're a small affiliate,” said Tina Barry, a retired school teacher and the president of the Cayuga County chapter. “We have no paid employees, just a working board and several committees.”

Barry said the committees are construction, family selection, family support, public relations, fundraising and volunteer. Help is needed and welcome in every facet of the organization, although construction is the one most people are familiar with. Families have to be selected to live in the properties, those families usually need many types of services, the organization needs to make the public aware of its work and needs, and the group has to solicit donations and discounts and buy materials for each project.