A RUGBY pundit and a Dragons' Denentrepreneur rolled up their sleeves in Dublin yesterday to renovate a home for a family in need.
Sports commentator Brent Pope and panellist on the RTÉ Dragons' Denprogramme Bobby Kerr were volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Ireland, a housing charity that helps low-income families become homeowners for the first time.
The charity, which aims to eliminate poor housing and homelessness around the world, is partnering with Dublin City Council to renovate homes for four families in Inchicore.
The recipients of the homes, chosen from the Dublin City Council housing list, have been selected according to their level of need, ability to repay a small mortgage and willingness to work on-site, according to the charity.
Habitat for Humanity Ireland executive director Karen Kennedy said: “Partner families are involved in the building and renovating of homes working alongside volunteers and trade professionals. The emphasis is on a hand up, not a hand out.”
One recipient, who did not wish to be named, is living in a small one-bedroom flat with her partner and two young children.
“When we become homeowners it is going to transform our lives,” she said. “My children can grow up in a safe, secure home and we are building up equity in buying our home – we couldn’t have dreamt of this before.”
Pope, who with Kerr has worked with Habitat in Zambia, said: “Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to get a better understanding of the challenges these families face. Just talking to the families . . . while we are working has been an eye opener for me.”
