A group of local insurance agents are giving back to the community in a unique way. Following a partnership between American Family Insurance and Habitat for Humanity, more than a dozen agents from the Springville, Mapleton, and Spanish Fork area have been helping further the organization’s outreach mission.
Most recently, the agents were helping out in the Salt Lake area as part of a new initiative from Habitat for Humanity. The initiative is known as, “A Brush With Kindness,” and it seeks to help homeowners who lack the funds, tools, or ability to maintain their yards and homes. Through volunteer efforts, Habitat for Humanity seeks to offer these families and individuals a fresh start by helping them reclaim their space and provide more freedom and safety to live in their homes. Dustin Lane was one of the agents who recently volunteered.
“We had to clear out a lot of hazardous debris,” he said. “There were tree branches that had fallen, others were twisted up in old telephone lines and things like that, but we were able to clear it up … They had old pallets for fences, so we had to tear those out and put in some new fencing so an individual we were helping could keep her dogs in.”
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that has become a symbol of hope, empowerment and collaboration in the fight against poverty and inadequate housing. Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, this organization has helped millions of people across the globe achieve the dream of homeownership. Its mission, “seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope,” emphasizing the transformative power of safe, decent, and affordable housing.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Habitat for Humanity is its reliance on volunteers. Volunteers from all walks of life come together to build homes, even if they have no prior construction experience. This inclusive model fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Volunteers not only contribute to the physical work, but they also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families in need.
The partnership between American Family Insurance and Habitat for Humanity is happening on a nationwide scale, but the projects they’re working on together are benefitting local Utah communities. While Lane and the other agents became involved through their company’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the volunteer opportunities are open for anyone who wants to contribute.
”They’ve got all kinds of volunteer opportunities,” Lane said. “They’ve got calendars (on their website) where people can go in and sign up for specific things. They can even go to the local (Restore) shop and volunteer time there and help sort goods or things like that.”
Lane has a background in construction, having helped build multiple houses with his father. He also has experience landscaping and cleaning up properties. His skills were most definitely valuable to the project, but even volunteers without those same qualifications are welcome.
Lane explained that in the future they will probably be doing a new home build, adding that they rotate through cleanup/restore projects and building new homes.
At the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, is the belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Rather than simply giving away homes, the organization emphasizes a model based on mutual responsibility. Homeowners are required to invest “sweat equity” by working alongside volunteers in the construction of their homes and others. In addition to the physical labor, future homeowners receive interest-free loans, which they repay over time. This model ensures that Habitat’s efforts are sustainable and that beneficiaries retain dignity and pride in their contributions.
To qualify for the Brush With Kindness initiative, homeowners need to apply for the aid. Once approved, they can receive the help they require, which gives them a clean slate so that they’re able to care for their homes themselves.
The significance of Habitat for Humanity’s work extends beyond bricks and mortar. It offers long-term benefits to families and communities. A safe, stable home environment allows children to perform better in school, families to enjoy improved health outcomes, and communities to flourish as a result of increased stability.
Moreover, Habitat for Humanity promotes a sense of empowerment by enabling families to take control of their housing situation. Instead of relying on charity, families participate in the process, learning valuable skills and taking pride in their hard-earned homes. This approach strengthens the community fabric and fosters self-sufficiency.
