By Janice Sheffler, C 05

Dr. George H. Leiner, associate professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy at Saint Vincent College, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Central Westmoreland County Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.  He will serve on the Board Committee for Campus and Youth Ministry as well as the Family Support Committee.

“Habitat for Humanity is certainly the type of organization that fits with my sense of service.  The organization is focused around the idea of providing one of the most important elements for healthy individuals: having a safe and secure place to live and begin their family life,” he says of the organization.

Dr. Leiner recently helped complete a home in Grapeville.  The house was built with volunteer labor and a large proportion of donated materials.   

Dr. Leiner commented, “The building of the home brings people together and the recipients realize that the house is not mere charity.  Not only do the recipients receive a new home, they also help contribute in the building of the home.  The owners put 350 hours of their own labor into the project so that the home is literally their own project.”

Habitat for Humanity also assists the recipients in making the financial arrangements that are involved in buying a new home.  The Central Westmoreland County Affiliate is the mortgage holder for the new home.  This arrangement is key to achieving a feasible monthly payment plan, as Habitat homeowners pay no interest on their home mortgage loan.  They repay only the value of their house.

The work of the Central Westmoreland Country Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity benefits not only the local owners of new homes; they also contribute 10% of their funds to other chapters.  Dr. Leiner states, “We have sent funds to the Indian Ocean region to help with the rebuilding from the devastation of the tsunamis.  We have also funded five houses around the world from Central America to right here in the United States.”  

Dr. Leiner says he would also like to encourage the members of the Saint Vincent College community to become involved in Habitat for Humanity. 

Saint Vincent College has a student chapter of Habitat for Humanity with Laura Fedor as the president.  She says, "Being involved with Habitat for Humanity gives you the opportunity to get your hands dirty and help those in need.  You can gain a great feeling of satisfaction by volunteering your time, even if you are just taking care of the little things, because it’s all of those little things that add up in the end.” 

For more information about the organization, visit the web site at http://centralwestmorelandhfh.org or contact a college Habitat for Humanity representative.