As the weeks progressed, the group of volunteers became a smaller collection, working to tackle the ceilings, the roof, the carpets, and painting. We dealt with many setbacks due to the fact that most students are not prepared for the liability and commitment needed for projects. Though many students’ hearts are willing, their hands may not be capable of performing the tasks that need to be done.

We also lacked sufficient funds to do all the repairs. Since we could not put off any of the work, we quickly spent all of our budget buying the materials needed to repair the problems and finish the job started.

Our problems only intensified with few volunteers and the end still a long way off. Constant rain prevented us from finishing the exterior or interior work.

I felt as though I would fail out of Guilford. The family was restless, and I couldn’t keep the pace any longer, so I sought the advice of Judy Harvey and Jessica Justice. From this meeting in mid-September we decided it was time to seek professional help to finish the job.
Jesse got a contractor to help us for a reasonable price and who would start immediately. Judy allowed us to accept money from the Bonner Advisory Board to pay the contractors until we had figured out another means.

Judy later spoke with someone in the insurance claims office at Guilford to find an alternative for paying the mounting bills. Seeking intervention from the school due to liability was a scary prospect. It seemed to be the only logical means to cover the costs of contractors since volunteers were no longer available. In the end we decided to process claims with Guilford insurance to pay for the project so that we could replace the funds from the advisory board.

With this decided I clearly understood for the first time that this would be the last project and that HOME as it had existed before was over. Citing liability risks, lack of involvement, and insufficient funds to continue, we ended a very special project that the community and Guilford would surely miss.
The Horton’s quickly moved back into their home once the contractors were through. All new padded carpets were laid, walls were painted, electrical outlets that had been broken for several years were now working again, more efficient insulation was installed ensuring lower heating and cooling costs, modern light fixtures were installed, and the roof would be free of leaks for at least twenty years. Needless to say, they were pleased with the results.

Now that the project is done, many lessons have been learned, and I am excited about the direction that HOME will be taking in the future. I have come to terms with two important problems. Dealing with substandard housing is an enormous risk since one never knows the problems that could arise with each individual case.

For five years HOME had great fortune, and did a wonderful service for families in the community helping so many avoid the possibility of losing their homes. A similar situation could have happened at any time, and there have been a number of close calls, but when you take so many risks sometimes all the luck and good intentions cannot be of help.

The other problem has been more difficult to deal with since I enjoy volunteering for HOME; I feel that everyone should too, though many do not. Dealing with the HOME project without sufficient funds, adequate skills and serious commitment is impossible.

Instead of ending here, I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Guilford community to share in service of the same nature but in a new direction.

Since the fall of 2000, HOME has been in close contact with Habitat for Humanity of High Point. A community is under construction and they are in constant need of volunteers. Often you work with the future owners of the house, other times with various student groups from the Greensboro/ High Point area. Nonetheless it is an exceptional organization in need of our hands and our courage.

Anyone interested in this opportunity should feel free to contact the HOME office at extension 2484. When the weather cooperates, group trips will be organized to the site, I hope to see you there.