Last week was very stressful for the Syracuse Habitat Summer VISTA. That explains why my last post was not available until Saturday. Fortunately, all of my car problems have been figured out and I am now back at work.

Being stranded on the interstate did get me to start thinking about poverty in Syracuse. One day without a car seemed daunting at first until I thought about the thousands of Syracuse residents that ride the bus to work everyday. Half of Syracuse residents are low-income and can afford very few luxuries. Instead they spend most of their income budgeting between housing, healthcare, and food. This is why Habitat for Humanity builds houses.

The lives of Syracuse Habitat homeowners improve dramatically as soon as they finish their sweat-hours and move in. Housing immediately becomes more affordable and they are able to work towards a better life. Instead of spending half of their income renting substandard housing, they spend 30% of their monthly income owning a brand-new home. This is how Syracuse Habitat helps to eradicate poverty in Syracuse.

I am so glad that I am working on this mission and am excited to continue my work as a Summer VISTA. Check back next week for my post on week six and later this week for my report on my first Habitat for Humanity home dedication.