Unsung Heroes
When James and Vivian Brooks moved into their new Habitat home, they thanked the construction crews from Minnesota, Colorado and Illinois who couldn’t be in attendance.

The volunteers did not have the opportunity to see the Brooks Family receive the keys to their new home because all were off helping other families across the United States in need of decent and affordable housing.

This is not uncommon of Habitat for Humanity’s Care-A-Vanner Program. The volunteers, a mobile work force which travel across the country in both motor homes and campers, consist of quiet unsung heroes who often complete a majority of the skilled volunteer labor.

Several of the Care-A-Vanner volunteers visited Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity after the affiliate’s response to Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Since then, many have made repeated visits which have sparked long lasting relationships with the staff, home owners and local volunteers.

Kim and Carol Parker, who reside in East Peoria, Illinois, are one example of a group who has made a lasting impression on the affiliate. Since 2006, the two have volunteered over 2,640 hours or 110 days with the affiliate! Both Kim and Carol, say southern hospitality keep both them and their group coming back time and time again.

“When we visit Bayou Area Habitat, we feel needed,” Carol said. “I love meeting the home owners and local volunteers and often both Kim and I find ourselves leaving with lifelong friends.”

Another example of a volunteer group who have visited the affiliate several times is Lowell and Gwen Larson. The Larson’s have 2,520 volunteer hours with Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity.
“Both Lowell and I absolutely love volunteering,” Gwen said. “We could volunteer anywhere, but we feel appreciated here. The folks here really treat us well.”

If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Bayou Area Habitat for Humanity, please contact [ Aimee Bourgeois ] at (985) 447-6999.

2009 Care-A-Vanners
Jerry and Grace Abbott
Jim and Elaine Benner
Art and Ricky Beutler
David and Netha Bonczak
Bruce and Gabrielle Clouser
William and Donna Cooley
Don and Diana Fischer
Alan and Maria Gouveia
Sheldon and Ruth Gustasfson
Wayne Klemme
Gordon and Frances Kraus
Lowell and Gwen Larson
Gene and Gail Lutz
Miles Minnies
Kim and Carol Parker
David and Dotti Penny
Jeffrey and Judy Rothwell
Roger and Susan Sandlin
Steve and Janice Scully
Rob and Ronni Silver
Ralph and Patricia Taylor
Lester and Janet Thompson
Sally Vredenburgh
George and Roseanne Wallner