When location managers from Local 399 traveled to Lynwood on October 30th, it wasn’t to scout a location for a new feature or television show – they were there to help build ten houses for families in need.
The location managers teamed with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles for the project. The non-profit organization is famous for its efforts to build affordable and adequate housing for families around the world. Over its 43-year history, the group has built more than 350,000 low cost homes across five continents, providing housing for over one and a half million people.
The Local 399 members joined members of the Location Managers Guild of America as well as several Habitat “partner homeowners” in this important cause. As one of the requirements to receive a new home from the organization, potential homeowners must dedicate 500 “sweat hours” to help build their – and their neighbors’ – homes.
Throughout the day, members remained in high spirits as they helped tile, scrape, cut, drill and hammer the emerging frames for the new homes. Everyone involved seemed to be working with a sense of purpose, knowing that the new houses they were helping to build would help change peoples’ lives.
“When I heard from Ed Duffy that Local 399 location managers were involved in such a great cause, I was very impressed,” said Secretary-Treasurer Leo Reed. “Our members are very involved with charities, and helping to build houses alongside Habitat for Humanity is typical of the pride Teamsters take in helping the community.”
Tony Salome, a Local 399 member for many years and 1st Vice President of the Location Managers Guild of America, expressed his pride for this year’s event.
