COUNTYWIDE : Low-Cost Housing Group Seeks Help

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, a nonprofit group that builds low-cost housing for the working poor, is seeking donations and volunteers for its weeklong “work camp” scheduled for July 1 to 6.

The work camp, part of a 15-week nationwide building effort marking the 15th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity International, is planned to include 53 volunteers to work on projects throughout the county that week.

Volunteers from traveling groups that will tour the nation as part of the anniversary campaign will work alongside the local volunteers. Members of the traveling groups will stay in tents at O’Neill Regional Park and in volunteers’ homes during the week.

Officials of Habitat for Humanity--part of Habitat International, a nonprofit group that builds homes and provides interest-free mortgages to qualified applicants--said skilled and unskilled construction workers, cooks, drivers, host families for the traveling groups and donated construction materials are being sought. Each construction volunteer will pay a registration fee of $100 to cover the costs of meals.

Currently, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity has 53 construction projects under way in the county, including 48 in Rancho Santa Margarita. Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at a Habitat groundbreaking there last year.

To volunteer or donate materials, or for information, call Barbara Bunsold at (714) 768-7531.