This past Saturday, I was able to head downtown with a group to participate (for the first time) in a build for Habitat for Humanity. It was an interesting and fulfilling day. Twenty-seven people worked with one goal in mind: to finish a house for someone they didn't know.

Habitat for Humanity has changed its program a lot over the years. In the beginning, they built houses and gave them away, but no longer. You have to apply and pay for the house being built. You have to go through training as a homeowner and show that you have the ability and smarts to be able to manage your finances and keep the house.

This change in program has paid off. The prospective owners are more deserving. They take it more seriously. They have a stake in the house being built. They must put in 250 work-hours to qualify for the house. 50 of those hours have to be spent on a house other than theirs.

The gentleman whose house it was, thanked us profusely throughout the day. He has a full-time job, as does his wife. One of his children is about to graduate from college. He is about to graduate from college, as well. I felt comfortable working for this organization because I saw that they had requirements for rendering assistance.

If you are looking for a great service project for a group of 16 year-olds (minimum age requirement) or a single group or just a church character building project, I can heartily recommend Habitat for Humanity. Just take some Tylenol before you go.