This week marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It’s a time to reflect on the lives that were lost, the heroic efforts of the first responders, and the many examples of how people came together in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Coming together to overcome challenges is at the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s work.
Twenty-five years ago, a group of Lancaster Area Habitat for Humanity volunteers found themselves doing just that on the construction site during one of the most difficult weeks in our nation’s history.
Volunteer Blitz Build
During the summer of 2001, Lancaster Area Habitat staff and volunteers from local churches prepared for the House the Churches Built framing blitz. The event was scheduled for the week of September 10-14 at a home on Euclid Avenue, which was part of the 70-home Emerald Valley Build.
The framing blitz was sponsored by 70 Lancaster County churches. The goal was to finish framing the house and attaching the roof by the end of the week. More than 50 volunteers were scheduled to be onsite during each day of the blitz.
One of those volunteers was Dennis Rosas.
Rosas was 38 years old at the time. He was volunteering with Habitat through the Brethren Volunteer Service as the Assistant Construction Supervisor while he lived in the volunteer house located beside Habitat’s former Fairview office.
Monday, September 10, was a busy day. Habitat construction staff and volunteers began an intense day of framing work as local newspaper reporters and TV crews were onsite to cover the blitz.
“The day ended a little early because of some lightning strikes and the threat of an incoming storm,” says Rosas. “The weather forecast for the rest of the week looked good, and we hoped (this) would be the last delay. Little did we know what the next day would bring to our nation.”
Together Through Tragedy
Tuesday, September 11, began just like the day before with registration, devotions, and instructions on the day’s tasks. The weather was perfect. And the volunteers returned to their framing work.
Around 9 a.m., volunteers began receiving calls from friends and family about a plane crash at the World Trade Center in New York City. At the time, no one was sure if the incident was a terrible accident or something else. Soon, reports came in about a second plane hitting the Twin Towers, crashes at the Pentagon and in Western Pennsylvania, and rumors about a coordinated terrorist attack.
“As the day progressed and more events were unfolding, you could feel the tension on the worksite. But we continued on,” says Rosas. “We had a short prayer service at our morning break by one of several ministers who was helping at the site – which became routine throughout the rest of the week. This created a sense of fellowship and community as we shared our concerns for the victims and their families, and the nation.”
Despite the shocking events, the volunteers continued to build. On Friday, one of the regular volunteers brought in a large American flag to hang over the porch roof of the home.
“I was glad the blitz continued,” says Rosas. “It gave us something constructive (to do) during a time when a lot of people did not know what was going on. In what was one of the country’s most trying times, it was a joy to see and feel God’s presence, and to see work being done in God’s name. (There was) a sense of patriotism and spiritual togetherness.”
Rosas’ experience is a poignant reminder about the power of volunteering and the strength found in community. When the world feels uncertain, coming together to do something meaningful can provide a sense of purpose and hope.
Twenty-five years later, the House the Churches Built framing blitz reminds us that Habitat’s work has always been about more than building houses. It’s about people showing up for one another and working together to build something that lasts.
Because together we build homes, community, and hope.