By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsy Alamina

Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) volunteered at Habitat for Humanity in Kitsap County Aug. 17.

Stennis sailors worked with local community volunteers to help build a three-bedroom home for retired Navy Lieutenant Paul Genaux.

“I appreciate all the effort and I am grateful to everyone for their hard work” said Genaux, from Salt Lake City.

For Stennis sailors, this project was an opportunity to continue giving back to the local Kitsap County community, and to help a former sailor in need.

“I like giving back,” said Information Systems Technician 1st Class William Acosta. “Habitat for Humanity gives me the opportunity to help, it is fun, and I get to see the results.”

Habitat for Humanity is a national organization but is managed by local communities. Each local branch is responsible for choosing deserving families, overseeing the project site, raising donations, and gathering volunteers.

“Sailors are always more than welcome to participate,” said Robert Hammond, a retired Coast Guard captain and the Genaux project site manager. “They enjoy working hard and giving back.”

A local Kitsap County home takes close to seven months and $75,000 to build. Kitsap County’s branch has built more than 70 homes since 1990 and currently has 32 new projects scheduled.

For more information on how to help Habitat for Humanity, visit www.kitsaphabitat.org.

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.Facebook.com/stennis74.