It was a perfect day for the 2007 Hike for Habitat in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The weather was nice, the turnout was huge, with over 600 hikers, and the scenery along the way through Monument Valley Park was beautiful.
This is the assembly point at the pavillion in Monument Valley Park. Many of the participants had already registered in advance. You could also register on the day of the hike. Each participant received a t-shirt before the start of the event.
The distance of the hike was ideal: 4 miles. Long enough to get a good exercise, yet short enough so that everyone could participate. Young and old. People of all abilities.
Well, not everyone hiked. It was a great outing for the entire family.
The hike began at 10 a.m. Everyone walked at their own pace. There was no rush. No one felt left behind, because the course went in a loop. You always saw someone hiking. And you were never really far from the starting point.
There was no fear of getting lost either. There were numerous direction markers along the course.
It wasn't all flat. There was a small hill to climb. Not really difficult though.
If you got thirsty, there was plenty of water along the way. And if you got tired, there were benches so that you could sit and rest. Everyone was taken care of very well. It was very well organized.
It was a very scenic hike that took the participants through many of the beautiful areas in Monument Valley Park.
Not only was it a scenic hike through Monument Valley Park, it was also educational. There were many signs planted along the way that told something about the history and mission of Habitat for Humanity. By the time you completed the course, you had learned a lot.
This is the ending point at the pavillion in Monument Valley Park, where we started. There wasn't a "Finish" line. It wasn't a race.
Afterwards we waited in line for food. Lunch was provided by Mimi's Cafe.
It was a good hike, for a good cause. All of the proceeds will be used to build a Habitat home, such as those that were built in the Mill Street Development.
Hopefully we'll see you there in 2008.
Habitat for Humanity does not give houses away. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, with affordable, no interest loans.
Sweat Equity: The unpaid labor invested by homeowner partners in working on their own houses or those of others. These non-paid work hours are a requirement for Habitat homeownership.
In addition to completing their sweat equity, Habitat Partner families are required to save for a 1% down payment on their new home.
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity selects homeowner families based on:
- Level of need
- Willingness to partner with Habitat including 350 - 450 hours of sweat equity
- Ability to pay
Habitat families stay in their homes and pay their mortgages. In fact, over 90% of Habitat houses built since 1976 are still owned by Habitat homeowners.
The 2006 average monthly apartment rent in Colorado Springs was $646. If an individual in Colorado Springs is earning the minimum wage, he or she must work 110 hours per week to afford the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity:
Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Colorado
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