Renovating a house
Local 594 Makes a Difference for a Family

Humanitarian: “One who is devoted to the promotion of human welfare and the advancement of social reforms; one who is involved in or connected with improving peoples’ lives and reducing suffering; one who is characterized by concern for improving the welfare of humanity.”

A grateful family looks forward to moving in to a house that was turned into a home by the skill, voluntary hours and love of UAW Local 594 members.

The dictionary definition fittingly describes those UAW Local 594 members involved in a Habitat for Humanity house build sponsored by General Motors and Local 594.

It all began June 19, 2000, at 174 Rockwell Street in Pontiac, directly across the street from the GM Truck Validation Center. The effort was coordinated by a group of dedicated union members, with different skill levels but similar big hearts.

Those brothers and sisters involved in the build have experienced frustration, pain, laughter, companionship, new friendships, unity, and a deep sense of accomplishment. Skills were acquired that we never thought we would learn. For those of us who have been closely involved, there were many lessons. It was a huge undertaking, bigger than anyone ever imagined in the beginning. But to a dreamer, a dream is never too big.

There were many frustrations, both in time and scheduling. It would have been easy to walk away. However, that is not what our union brothers and sisters do. We have been stamped from the same material as our forefathers. We stood together in this endeavor and will stand together in unity against any adversity.

By the time the home was completed, it was clearly evident how really extensive and time consuming the project had become. But with the true spirit of UAW workers we persevered, working together many long hours, days, weeks and months. As we drove the last nail and painted the last stroke, relief and a quiet sadness filled our hearts. This very important chapter of our lives closed on December 22.
Though we sometimes wondered if it was worth the struggle, looking into the grateful eyes of the recipient family, we knew it was all worthwhile. It was an accomplishment that we, as UAW brothers and sisters, will forever look back on with pride and a wonderful feeling of fulfillment. This endeavor was like many difficult situations in our lives; when it’s over, all we recall are the good things. We have made a difference in the world, a difference in our own lives, and in the lives of a family with five children.

A New Year and a new millennium saw this very elated family receive a new home made possible by dedicated UAW Local 594 workers. We not only build quality vehicles, we now build quality homes—and lives—as well.

We did it in unity for humanity.

Barb Biggs
Local 594 member

Next: Director's Report

Region 1 Ken Terry, director Joe Peters, assistant director Region 1 regional office 30755 Montpelier Madison Heights, MI 48071-5110 313-926-5341/42 313-564-6510/11 248-583-1700 248-645-2400 fax: 248-588-3555 Subregional offices 3520 Military Street Port Huron, MI 48060-6639 810-982-4891 220 Wellington Street West Chatham, Ontario N7M 1J6 519-360-9888 800-387-0538 fax: 519-360-9222 Members are invited to submit information to the regional or subregional offices. Action Line is published four times a year as an insert to UAW’s Solidarity magazine.

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