Building homes for those in need

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- While political ads talk about lowering the foreclosure rate, many in Connecticut's capital are doing their own part to help people who need a home.

Political candidates keep hammering home the grim reality of joblessness and foreclosures.

"Selfishly, I enjoy working with my hands," Lou Basta, Habitat for Humanity volunteer.

So, isn't it nice to come upon a situation where there's plenty of work to do, to ensure people actually have a home.

"Giving back to someone getting a home of their own," Basta said.

Basta is one of many working on the largest project to date for Hartford's Habitat for Humanity, with 16 homes at once.

"With all the foreclosures, this is just the opposite," he said.

What makes this Habitat for Humanity project different than the other 200 homes they have built in the Hartford area is that there are three floors. The garage, the main floor, and course, the floor above.

The first grouping of townhouses will be done in November and the last, probably not until sometime next year.

There are no false campaign promises, just promises from guys like Dan Dionne, pledging to put in a solid hard days work for the greater good.

"I've certainly handled a lot of phone calls from Prudential with people those types of situations where they are needing to liquidate their account, just to make ends meet, to stay in the home they're in," said Dan Dionne, "it's very good for me to be here helping someone in a home."

How much really gets done on a podium is, well, debatable. With Habitat, you will find the real America, of the people and for the people, to mold and create one of our nation's greatest gifts, the ability to own your own home.

"I've had my wife come by, or, I mention it to my friends, you know, you should go see this place, we built those houses," Basta said. "It is a good feeling."