Volunteers key to ongoing progress of Bloomfield home
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
With everything that has been going on in the world the past several months, the leaders behind a project taking place in Walworth County said they’re excited to be able to shed some light on the progress.
In the spring, Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County began constructing a home for a local family in Bloomfield. The Wald family, who the home is being built for, started this journey in 2019 when plans first arose. Since that time, the Wald family has been putting in countless hours of sweat equity into what will soon be their very own, brand new home.
“It’s amazing to learn all the different things (that go into building a home) because it will help with my homeowner’s skills,” Sarah Wald said. “I have also enjoyed working with different volunteers from around the community.”
She said becoming a homeowner is exciting and she’s looking forward to having a place for her and her sons to enjoy.
The Habitat home, located at W850 Myrtle Rd. in Bloomfield, is still under construction as progress continues, thanks to the help of numerous volunteers. Among the volunteers are a handful of regulars including members of the Lake Geneva Jaycees, the Lake Geneva Police Department and Habitat board members.
And the project wouldn’t be where it is without the numerous contractors who have stepped in to help, Habitat leaders said.
Most recently, members of the Lake Geneva Police Department helped out at the build where they assisted with getting the trusses erected and the roof sheeted.
Wald said seeing members of the police department come out to help was very touching.
“I was really impressed. With everything that has been going on, it was really great to see them take time out of their day to help build alongside us,” she said.
Board member Judy Nolan said people stepping up to help is noticed and appreciated.
“Every weekend people from the community donate their time to build. They all work so hard and we are so grateful for their help,” Nolan said.
Habitat is always looking for volunteers to help out on Saturdays, which are the dedicated volunteer workdays. The typical Saturday workday is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or whatever time volunteers can give.
Currently, Habitat is looking for volunteers to help out on upcoming work that will include tasks such as siding, insulation and window and door installation.
After professionals electrical professionals like those at https://masterelectrical.com/ get their work done (along with plumbing and HVAC professionals), volunteers will be needed again for trim, flooring, painting and so on.
“We have tools and great supervision,” said Ariel Altergott, of Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County.
The crew took Labor Day weekend off but from here on out, Saturday workdays will be ongoing through the project’s completion, weather permitting.
For more information on volunteering, being a part of the construction committee or to make a donation toward the current Habitat home build in Bloomfield visit habitatwalworth.org or call 262-949-0542.
For updates on other volunteer opportunities, contact Habitat Walworth County via the website or phone number above or follow them on Facebook and Instagram by searching HabitatWalworthCounty.
About Habitat
Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and stronger families.
The group has built numerous homes in Walworth County over the years and is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes. They work to meet that goal by advocating for fair and just housing policies and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.
