The United Nations annually designates the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day, in order to move people across the globe to reflect on the world’s housing crisis.

Today, one third of the world’s urban population lives in slums; that amounts to more than 1 billion people. That number is expected to increase if action is not taken immediately to provide more decent, affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity has built more than 300,000 homes around the world, providing shelter for more than 1,500,000 residents. Here in Natchez, the local affiliate is working on its 12th house.

We are asking that you come and help us complete this house on schedule. If Monday, is not a convenient time for you, Habitat volunteers work from 8 to noon each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning.

The house under construction is on Smith Street, which intersects with Martin Luther King Street in the 1000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Street; it is about half a mile north of Cathedral High School and just a few blocks north of Minor Street.

All volunteers are welcome, as no special skills or tools are needed.

Come on out and help us build the latest home which is designated for Mary Pollard and her two children. Ms. Pollard is required to work a certain number of “sweat equity” hours, and she has been helped by several family members. Just recently we had a large group of volunteers from St. Mary Basilica and we really appreciate their hard work and support.

Please call me at 601-445-8639 if you or your group wishes to volunteer; if you can not volunteer, you can still support Habitat by sending a tax deductible contribution to P.O. Box 100, Natchez, MS. 39121.

Duncan McFarlane is the secretary/treasurer of Habitat for Humanity.