By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Working to improve the lives of families is one reason Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, volunteered May 8 to help with a Habitat for Humanity home build. The president of St. Ambrose University said, “This is the most wonderful way to help a family experience having a home of their own.”
Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, president of St. Ambrose University, hammers a nail during a Habitat for Humaity build last month. Sr. Lescinski was part of a built that is done by women. The house is being built in Davenport.
Sr. Lescinski was part of a “women’s build” for a new home being constructed at 6400 Appomattox Road in Davenport. This is the third year for a Habitat house-building project by all women volunteers. Sister has participated in each of the projects, along with another one sponsored by St. Ambrose University.
The home is being built for Afi Amedanu and her two children. Her mentor, Mary Rangen, said Amedanu has already exceeded her required “sweat hours” to be eligible for the home. Homeowners are required to earn 250 hours of sweat equity by attending dedications, assisting at house builds, helping at Habitat events and in other ways. “She has been very easy to work with.”
Sr. Lescinski said, “every time we do a build, we make a healthier neighborhood.”
Don Hiesterman, site supervisor with Habitat-Quad Cities, said the new home will be 1,100 square feet with three bedrooms and a full basement. All homes are built so that a bedroom can be added in the future by the homeowner.
Amedanu’s house is number 87 for Habitat Quad Cities and is sponsored by Royal Neighbors of America in Rock Island, Ill. The home is built in partnership with Scott County Housing Council, Scott County Regional Authority and Quad City Bank & Trust.
St. Ambrose University donated land for the home. Mike Poster, the university’s vice president for finance, said the land had been received as a gift several years ago. The university felt it was best to donate the land and Habitat was chosen to receive the lot. “You can see the good that will come out of this.”
