For the third straight year Habitat for Humanity of Moore County will have Americorps volunteers helping them build simple, decent houses for God’s people in need. Recent graduates of Boston College, Maud Elias and Kate Pescatore are the most recent additions to the Habitat staff.

Both young women responded in their college years to the Habitat Collegiate Challenge Program. Kate worked a 1999 Spring Break week in Marion, S.C. and again in 2000 in Waynesburg, Pa. Maud did Spring Break 1999 in Sumter, S. C. and 2000 in Farrell-Sherard, Miss.

Their experiences in these programs, as well as other service activities they explored in their college and home environments, led them both to apply for and be accepted in the Habitat Americorps Volunteer program.

When asked why they sought this experience, Kate replied “The amazing people that both work for and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity are a major reason why I have felt drawn to doing a year of service with the organization.”

Maud’s reasons were similar, “In the Collegiate Challenge programs I loved helping my peers find a place where they felt like they were making a difference and I also realized how much I enjoyed doing the work myself.”

Both young women have arrived just in time to assist with the Sept. 9-24 Habitat Blitz Build — four houses in 10 days. They have hit the ground running and are hard at work under the direction of construction supervisor Pat Falvey in preparing the Roseland site for the Blitz.

It will be a whirlwind for the 10 building days in September. More than 120 volunteers a day will flood into Roseland Woods. Falvey and the two Americorp volunteers will provide direction, coordination, supervision and supply for the House Foreman and Crew Leaders, all experienced Habitat volunteer builders.

Working steadily throughout the week with all the volunteers will be the four home buyer families who have already put a substantial number of their required 200 hours of “sweat (work) equity.”

Elizabeth Cox, interim executive director of the local affiliate is excited about the energy and dedication the two young women bring to the chapter as it faces the challenge of the Blitz. “If we all pull together it should be a rewarding and fruitful two weeks. And four families will have new homes that meet their needs for decent, affordable housing.”