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Every Wednesday and Saturday, volunteers and organizers gather together to help residents build a better life, and a better home.

"When a family has a stable home and the opportunity to succeed, it is amazing to see what they can accomplish," said Karen Mason, executive director of Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley.

With help from volunteers and sponsors, Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley is able to build eight to 10 houses each year that are then sold to low-income families.

"A lot of people think we are a 'giveaway' agency, but that is not the case," Mason said. "We offer interest-free home loans, and there is no profit."

Mason said the concept for the interest-free loans is based on the Bible verse Exodus 22:25, which roughly states one should not charge interest when lending money to the poor.

Not only do the homeowners pay for their new house, but they are also involved in the building process. Their labor counts toward their "sweat equity," and at Habitat for Humanity, sweat is worth its weight in gold.

Even though the homeowners are swinging a hammer, they can't build their houses themselves. That is where volunteers come in.

There are three ways to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley. People can work at the construction site, in the Habitat Store or help collect cans for recycling.

"It all depends on their comfort level," said Steven Hammond, volunteer coordinator of Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley. "We have men and women in their early 80s who work on every aspect of the projects, and we also have people who would rather volunteer in the store or pick up cans at local schools and businesses for recycling."

Regardless of how people choose to volunteer, Hammond said they are greatly appreciated, especially this time of year.

"Our volunteers are pretty tough," Hammond said. "In the spring, summer and fall, the building sites stay pretty crowded, but we keep on working through the winter, too. They just bundle up and come out to the site."

Hammond said Habitat for Humanity provides the volunteers with free food at lunchtime, and they always make sure to have plenty of warm drinks on cold days.

Whether it is for the gratification they get from helping a member of their community or just wanting something to do, Hammond said the volunteers always have a good time and gain valuable skills.

"Volunteers who come to work with Habitat for Humanity have a fulfilling day," Hammond said. "They work hard, learn new skills and meet people in the community they might not otherwise see. They also get an opportunity to meet the homeowner and learn how much the house will mean to them."

Mason said there are a lot of people who would like to help out but don't have any experience in construction. However, Hammond said, volunteers don't need any experience.

Hammond said Habitat for Humanity has a builders' club comprised mostly of retirees with years of construction experience, and they are always happy to help new volunteers with their projects.

"We work on everything from subfloors to shingles," Hammond said. "We are involved with every aspect of the house, so there is always something for everyone to do."

While many volunteers learn skills they can use on their own homes, some use those skills more than others.

"One lady came on our site, and I think she was 78 years old," Mason said. "She was working on one of our all-women builds and didn't have any experience, but had lots of enthusiasm. She ended up helping us put a roof on, among other things. Then, much to her husband's dismay, she was using the skills she learned here to tear down some walls and change the space in her own home."

Regardless of what people take away from the building site, they can always rest assured that what they left there will help one family have a better life.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, call Steven Hammond at 344-0747 or e-mail at volcoord@habitat-roanoke.org.