With the advent of spring and summer come the endless sounds of construction as contractors work to build homes in the metro area. They are the sounds often associated with hard physical labor, a fairly stable housing economy and 30-year mortgages.

They are also the sounds of the Omaha community uniting together to construct homes for the city’s less fortunate during the Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz 2008 held May 31 – June 6. Among this year’s crew were Lewis and Clark staff members who were inspired to help after a team of their students presented, "Homelessness in Omaha and OPS," during the 2007 Project Citizen State Showcase held Dec. 10 in Lincoln, Neb.

As part of the research process for their project, students and staff visited a local homeless shelter to gain a better understanding of the special problems Omaha’s homeless children face on a daily basis. The proposal students presented during their presentation was to locate and renovate a home for a homeless family.

"The girls on the team have shown that, given the opportunity, young citizens can positively affect their community and themselves," said Lewis & Clark teacher Derrick Nero. "What began as a topic for a competition just evolved over time."

"I think the girls were a little shocked that their idea motivated the staff to get involved at this level, but it made them feel very proud," said Lewis and Clark Principal, Lisa Sterba. "And, as always, we are very proud of them."

As a result of Omaha’s Blitz, four homes were completed and awarded to local families. However, the generosity of Lewis and Clark students and staff didn’t end there. Over 300 pounds of clothing and blankets were donated to the Open Door Mission.