Usually, the Merrimack Habitat for Humanity is in a position to help several families each year. But when a January 2008 fire ravaged five homes under construction in Lawrence, Mass., the organization was left looking to others for help.
With almost an entire block destroyed, families in need lost their homes before they even had a chance to move in. Facing a grim situation, the staff of Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity and community volunteers committed to rebuilding the homes as quickly as possible.
MSI Mechanical Systems of Salem, N.H., answered the call for help by volunteering to install HVAC systems for an entire duplex. The company’s donation totaled more than $22,000.
“In these tough times, it’s hard for anyone to help,” says Brian Hooper, vice president of operations for MSI Mechanical Systems. “We wanted to do more than write a check. We’re a specialty trade, and we knew we could make our abilities useful. We all worked hand in hand to get it done.”
After a 14-month delay, families are now settled into their new homes.
“They held a blessing for the houses, and it was a fabulous event,” Hooper says. “It was very emotional for the families and also for those of us involved in the project.”
Habitat for Humanity is just one of the organizations MSI Mechanical supports. Hooper was moved to help others in need after meeting a Make-A-Wish family while on vacation at Disney World. The experience touched Hooper’s entire family, and they decided they could use their business connections to make an impact in Salem.
Hooper reached out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire to help launch the Driving for Dreams campaign, which allows local corporations to sponsor a wish and emblazon their support for the foundation on their vehicles as a way to remind and encourage others to make a difference.
In the past two years, the company also has volunteered for the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, as well as presented $1,000 to the New Hampshire Food Bank in support of the organization’s first annual golf tournament.
“We’ve decided that giving back to our community is very important to us,” Hooper says. “Everyone in the community has been great to us by giving us their business, so it’s our turn to give back.”
Hooper admits that finding the resources to donate has become harder during the last year, but he remains optimistic that other contractors can make a difference even with a smaller budget.
“The biggest thing is to not get overwhelmed,” he says. “Pick something that means a lot to you and do what you can. Every little bit helps.”