Trip #7: Habitat for Humanity

On Thursday, February 4, students from class spent a full day as "Winter Warriors" with Habitat for Humanity. HFH is building on a row of 16 lots in the Pullman neighborhood, on Union Ave. between 119th and 120th Streets. One of those homes is being built by the Pope Francis Home Challenge, for which St. Benedict has now raised around $2,000. Students spent a full work-day building that home and another home on the block. Here are some thoughts from Natalia Kieta, Bryan Padilla, and Liz Ramos...

Natalia Kieta

Within the world, there are many individuals struggling daily to eat a good meal, let alone find a place to live. As a society, we try to support these people by volunteering to help cook meals and/or provide shelter for them. One place that helps care for the poor is an organization called Habitat for Humanity. This organization finds a way to get money donations which they later use to build a house. Being able to help build a house for a family in need brought me great joy, and it felt good to know that I was going to make a difference for a family in need.

On this service trip, I had the privilege to work with and converse with one of the workers who helped me understand who is exactly included or excluded and the types of relationships that are involved at this service site. What I came to understand was that the reason the workers work every day in all weather conditions is because they want to provide a house for a family in need as fast as they can. Building a house is a long process on its own, but the workers try to speed up the work and get as much done as quick as they can. Although the workers don’t get to work with the poor on a daily basis, they do get to meet the family that moves into the houses, which the worker at the site said is the greatest feeling.

Through this service trip, I was able to connect my experience to a Bible verse found in Psalms 82:3 which states, “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy.” The reason this Bible verse reminds me of my experience at Habitat for Humanity is because we are called to advocate for and protect the poor. God isn’t expecting us to perform miracles; He just wants us to contribute to aiding the poor who can’t provide for themselves. In the end, this is what Jesus calls us to do through opting for the poor. Christ wants to ensure that we consider the poor in every decision we make individually, communally and socially, which is what I, along with my classmates, were doing on this service trip.

As mentioned earlier, it is heartbreaking to see some people take for granted all that they have while others struggle to find a shelter. Although I have not lived a day in which I haven’t had a place to stay, I have experienced talking with individuals who didn’t have a home. In grade school, I went on a service trip to the Mary and Joseph Homeless shelter, and I had the opportunity to converse with some of the homeless people there. It is very hard to see so many people struggle with not having a shelter, but it is also a relief to see many individuals try to support the homeless.

Finally, through this experience I came to realize that there is a way to help advocate for the poor. It is simply through volunteering. Sacrificing our time and work to help serve others is a way we can help avoid marginalizing this group of people. Once again, Christ calls us to opt for the poor and to keep them in mind with every decision we make. If we decide to follow Christ and consider the needs of the poor, we can truly help advocate for the homeless.

Bryan Padilla

On the trip I took with my class, we had the chance to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity. This organization helps lower income families get affordable housing. Whether unemployed or underemployed, many people face extreme difficulty in providing a home for their family. Many consider the home as the base from which all community is formed, so it is important to help our fellow brothers and sisters in getting suitable and affordable housing.

Owning or renting a place to call your own can be very pricey. This price of housing can be raised when you talk about owning an actual house in the city of Chicago. When you are single and have nowhere to live, you at least do not have to worry about your dependents. Poor families have to worry about providing shelter to their family. The cost of housing for a family can be prohibitively expensive for many, and that does not even account for other living expenses such as food and clothing. Families that already struggle to pay for living expenses can greatly benefit from a reduced payment affordable housing, such as the kind that Habitat for Humanity offers.

I would like to connect the Catholic Social Teaching of the Dignity of Work and the Value of Workers. In an ideal world we would all work hard, we would all make a fair amount of money, and we would all enjoy this life. Sadly, there is often a lack of the dignity of workers when people are paid a wage not great enough to live on. Christ calls us to recognize the dignity of work and the value that each worker has. Now, is not paying a wage high enough for hard working people to afford housing really upholding the dignity of these workers?

I feel that the issue of housing is very important. The base for all communities starts in the home. How can you have a good society if everyone cannot even afford a room to sleep in? I am very fortunate to be able to sleep in my own bed, in my own room, in my own house. Using my blessings, I wish to be able to help those who do not have such luxuries.

To do some actual good, Habitat for Humanity is a very good start. Habitat for Humanity helps to make the issue of no housing apparent. They also allow the average person to get involved in a very direct way by literally helping to build homes for those without.

Liz Ramos

For this week, we participated in building homes for Habitat for Humanity. As our class was there, we were divided into two groups, and then, each group focused on a house. My group had a one-floor, family house. Since it was mostly composed of the wooden frame, our task was to place the drywood around the frame. Thus, my group had to work together to carry the drywood outside from the garage, cut it into the right measurements, together hold it up, and hammer nails into the drywood, so it could be stable. We did this for one side of the house as well as for the back side. Then, from the inside of the house, we had to cut out drywood that stood in the way of the door frame or the window frame. Although this all seemed like a quick task, it took about six of us to finish this task in about seven hours. Those seven hours seemed to go by slowly since it was so windy and chilly that we couldn’t feel our hands, making the task seem complicated. Despite the mixed emotions and obstacles we faced due to the weather, I felt a sense of gratitude and happiness since I knew that all our efforts were for a good cause: to help those in need.

On our drive back home, some of my classmates argued that this was a cruel punishment to work in the harsh, cold weather. Although I somewhat agreed, I also began to feel as is this trip helped me immensely. For one, I was able to experience the cold weather that those who do not have homes experience, allowing me to appreciate even more my cozy home. Secondly, I was able to do God’s work. The Scripture and the Church teaches us that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must help those in need. For example, one of the Catholic Social Teaching Themes is to opt for the poor, and one of the corporal works of mercy is to shelter the homeless, which I was able to do through this exercise. Thus, this experience made me feel spiritually healthy and enabled me to open my mind to value my life.

Now, as I continue to reflect, I try to connect myself with these people through any similar experiences. I have never been homeless, but as I previously mentioned on another reflection, there was a point in my life when my family had a low income. During this period, my family had a mortgage to pay. At the same time, the Great Recession occurred, causing my mother to became unemployed, and my father's income wasn't a lot. With this income, my father could barely afford to pay bills and feed us. Thus, my parents became late on their mortgage payments. After a year of not being able to pay the mortgage on time, the bank had sent my parents an evacuation notice. During this time, I panicked because I loved my home. This was the home I lived in for almost six years, and my ten-year-old mind could not comprehend what would happen to us. Where would we live? How would we pay off that home, or did it mean that we would have to move into an apartment? Would I adjust to living in a small apartment after years of living in a spacious two-story house? This was the closest I ever got to feeling homeless; nonetheless. thanks to my mother’s plans, we were able to afford another cheaper home, and now, we are happily living in it. Because of that experience, I somewhat understand their concerns as they start out this experience, but I do not fully understand the struggles homeless people face. Thus, I can identify myself partially with these marginalized group.

I somewhat feel implicated in marginalizing these people because society does not push them off to the edge like other groups. This group is pushed to the edge socially since people will not take time of their day to communicate with them, business owners will not allow them into their homes, or because civilians reject them as they ask for change. However, I believe these people receive much help compared to other groups. For example, Franciscan Outreach gives homeless people in Chicago a place to stay for a night as well as providing for them a nice, warm meal. Similarly, Habitat for Humanity helps low-income persons receive a home with no interest payments. In addition, the government tries to help these people. For example, when my parents were at the verge of losing their homes, they were able to become bankrupt which meant that they could eliminate all or some of their debts such as their house debts, proving to show that the government tried to help those in need financially. Because of the help homeless people receive, but the way society pushes them off, I am implicated somewhat in marginalizing this group.

Even though I feel as if this group is somewhat marginalized, I still believe that we should help them in every way we can, since Christ asks us to shelter those who are homeless, and he emphasizes on helping those in need which is seen through the story of the rich son. We can help those who are homeless by volunteering at a pantry, helping construct a home for those who need it, or by incorporating these people in our lives by talking to them as we approach the train.

Note: Minor grammar/style edits have been made to each post not affecting the content or perspective of these students.

Bonus Post: Day of Silent Solidarity

On January 18-22, our school celebrated Respect Life Week. Our focus on the Dignity and Value of Human Life fell on the week when we celebrate civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion. Our week honored these moments as well as focusing more broadly on all those people who are marginalized in our society. Our daily prayer centered on different marginalized people, and our central activity during the week was our Day of Silent Solidarity.

For one day, students were invited to be voiceless in solidarity with all those whose voices are not heard, whose voices are ignored, and who cannot speak for themselves. From class discussions to hallway passing periods to lunchtime, over 75 students opted to try silence for the day. Here are some reflections from some students in our class. Their reflections are shared in alphabetical order...

Brittany Bejabeng

I personally find myself to be very social, so staying silent for the most part of the day was difficult. This activity focused only on remaining silent and no form of communication was allowed; that’s what made it even harder. My first period and second period went well without talking but once I reached my third period, Consumer Ed, I wanted to give up because we were having a class discussion and there was a topic I wanted to defend, but I couldn’t voice my opinion so that was frustrating. Doing this activity did help me to appreciate and understand the situation of marginalized people, because their voices are silenced while we get to speak. This day of solidarity impacted me personally to appreciate the capabilities I possess and stay “not silenced”. After doing this activity I would definitely recommend others to participate in Silent Solidarity Day, because it is important for us to recognize the people that are marginalized in society and how they are neglected. We must learn to appreciate beautiful gifts we so unconsciously take granted.

Brittany Camana

Today, I participated in the Silent Solidarity Day. For me personally, it was very hard to remain silent. I often caught myself wanting to answer questions my teachers ask the class. It was unbelievably frustrating not talking because normally I do not answer questions during class, but today I felt like I could answer many questions throughout my classes than ever before but couldn't because I had to remain silent. I do have a greater appreciation for marginalized people, and I feel it is our job (the people with voices) to step up and assist their needs. I do recommend others try participating in Silent Solidarity Day because it allows you to put yourself in the marginalized world and learn to adjust to their ways of not being heard from the people around you.

Matt Ciszek

For me, I found it really hard to stay quiet. I actually slipped up and said a few words on accident. I find myself to be a really opinionated person, and I literally almost always have something to say. So it was really hard not being able to profess how I felt about certain things. This whole experience made me realize a lot. It showed me that I am blessed to be able to proclaim my words and have a voice. It also showed me how hard it is for the people who are unable to have a voice in society and are pushed to become marginalized. I also realized that these people are also forced to stay silent all day long because they have no one to talk to either. A lot of these people are alone and lonely and that also makes them unable to represent themselves. Living on the edge of society must be the hardest struggle, but I guarantee the people who make it out of that slump are the strongest people around, because they are the ones who truly experienced a hardship.

Valentina Cordero

It is very hard to remain silent and to not have a voice. What frustrated me the most of not being to talk was not having the opportunity to participate with group discussion and get my voice across. I never realized how much I participate in class until today because this is what helps me learn more. I felt frustrated not being able to talk in every class. I have a greater appreciation and understanding of the situation of the marginalized. I recommend others to participate in the silent solidarity day.

Sarah Eden

Was it hard to remain silent? This is an understatement, IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMAIN SILENT. I think it would be significantly easier if people did not jokingly insult me or try to make me to talk, but other than that, fighting off my urges to participate in class was exceptionally difficult. The only time I was frustrated was when I was trying to write down a question I had for calculus, and translating the question to someone else was difficult. I can't do hand signals. I have always had a deep appreciation for those who are marginalized, and my relationship with them has remained the same. This means I still will seek to do more service work opportunities in the future, so I can give back to the community that has provided me with so much. I would recommend people to try it, but it is ultimately their decision whether or not they wish to participate.

Antonio Gonzalez

Participating in the Silent Solidarity Day was more of a struggle than I imagined. It was very difficult trying to put out your thoughts without speaking. Language, as I learned today, is very crucial and should be something that should not be taken advantage of. At points, it was very frustrating, almost to the point where I didn’t know how to convey my opinions and ideas. Being a marginalized person must be even harder since I know that I will be able to talk again. These forgotten people have to deal with this for a long time. I definitely recommend trying this event at least once because it really shows that communication is what keeps everyone together, and that Solidarity is more important that one may think.

Aileen Gonzalez

Today I was to remain silent for the whole day. I thought it would be difficult, but it was actually pleasant. At least for awhile. It was the little things that bothered me. I sneezed at least twice and had people say bless you only to receive dirty looks for not saying thank you. Then there was sitting in class; since I'm very opinionated but to have to sit and stay silent was like having nails driven into my flesh. I was also slightly annoyed with this one joke my friend kept saying, "Stay silent if you think I'm awesome! Stay silent if you're stupid!" People love to mess with you, so perhaps it's the same for others. My friend said it in a joking tone but for some people, it's actually serious. I kept thinking of the mentally challenged today. It's a joke to others, but it's an everyday reality for these people. They've been made fun of in the past, made to look like fools and only able to sit silently everyday without a voice to stand up for themselves. It was a fun experiment to stay silent all day, but it's hard saying what you need or want. I was lucky I had fingers to point at what I wanted for lunch and a very expressive face for how any subject was making me feel but what about others? The deformed or the paralyzed. What about those that become vegetables? They can't express or move. A fun challenge for us, but a sad reality for others. I would recommend to do this again next year, a yearly event of sorts to remind us not everyone can speak. The abused, the mentally challenged, the poor, etc, need a voice.

Mariam Mekha

First of all, it is very hard to see everyone have the ability to speak but me. Also, it is very challenging to work with a partner on homework or a project. We just give up, and we have to write it down for each other. The part I was really frustrated with was when I was with my group in AP Bio, and we have to work together. The difficult part was me was trying to think how can I do this or act that in order to solve this problem. I do have more understanding of the situation of marginalized people now. I would recommend this to other people I know, because no matter what you been through, you cannot feel or understand others unless you have been in their shoes.

Bryan Padilla

Initially I thought that to be silent for about six hours of school would be easy; however, I was surprised and found it to be more of a challenge to be silent. I was able to last until fourth period without talking, but then someone sneezed and I, by force of habit, said "bless you." Honestly, I did not feel more understanding of marginalized people. What I did feel however, was a greater appreciation for speech. Without speech, learning becomes a bit more difficult. I also enjoyed the almost meditative silence of the day. Rather than spending my mental energy talking to others, I was able to be more aware of the present. I would recommend people to participate in Silent Solidarity Day.

Melody Quintero

It was a interesting day to remain silent for the majority of the day. It wasn't hard to remain silent until I got to AP English Literature. It was hard to participate in the big group discussion about a Hamlet soliloquy, one of my favorite parts about AP English Literature. I felt out of place without having a chance to say a word. However, my favorite part about the experience was how much my close friends were still able to understand what I wanted to say or do, without saying a word. Overall, I got a better understanding for the situation of marginalized people. If I wasn't able to stand up or speak up for what I wanted to say or believe in, I would become very frustrated. It makes me want to find way to help the situation of marginalized people. I believe it was a great idea to have the silent solidarity day, and I would recommend the experience to everyone and hope the school will make it an annual event.

Stephanie Sefah

When I walked into school that morning, I had the intent to not be be a part of the silent solidarity only because I knew that I wasn't going to be able to do it. However, as the tags were being passed out, I decided to give it a try because I had nothing to lose if I didn't, and I realized that this might be my only chance to participate in this from of solidarity. The first hour of silence wasn't has hard as I thought it would be. I kept myself busy so that I wouldn't feel the need to speak with my friends in class, but I soon learned how difficult it is when you have something important to say but you're not able to say it. I experienced this in Ms. Mocarski's class, as we were having a discussion of what a tragic hero is. In that moment, I realized that it is a horrible feeling when you have something important to say but can't be heard; I felt has if I didn't exist. In the end, I gained a better understanding and a greater appreciation for people who are marginalized. I would definitely recommend this to all my friends and family because I think sometimes we take our voice and the power we have in society for granted. When it comes to voting and writing letters to our government officials, these are things we can do to truly help the marginalized, whose voices are being ignored.

Jada Shelby

I participated in Silent Solidarity Day and it was hard to remain silent. I was really frustrated during second and sixth periods. I was also frustrated during period 4A because we had a head of house meeting with Ms. Fox. During all these times I was frustrated because I wanted to answer so many questions and ask questions, but I couldn't. I was not able to speak my mind, and I really understand the situation of those who are marginalized because of their inability to be heard. The use of words from the mouth is an easier way to get a point across rather than typing or writing. I would recommend Silent Solidarity Day to everyone because it's a really good way to get a better understanding of those who aren't listened to. Everybody needs to learn not to take certain gifts for granted, and I think this could be the first step of doing so.

Note: Minor grammar/style edits have been made to each post not affecting the content or perspective of these students.