Editor: Generally, I would not write a letter to the editor, but last night I attended a Sweet Home City Council meeting and was bothered by the reason the mayor gave for denying a grant request for $500. Local volunteers, building a handicap-friendly home for a local resident through the Sweet Home Community Chapel, applied for the grant. The volunteers indicated they would be using the grant funds to offset permit costs for the $65,000-plus project. (However, that was not a stipulation of the use of the money should the group have received the funding). The reason stated by the mayor for denial of their grant application was “it only benefited an individual.” Let me explain why I think this project, just like any project that improves someone’s quality of life, is beneficial to not only that individual but also the entire community. This world is definitely not a perfect place, and many people and communities need help. I know that is why I, and many others, volunteer. As volunteers we can make a difference, through giving a little of our time, money, or talents, we help make our community a better place and life easier for all. This “home building” project is a perfect example of community volunteerism. The project, in addition to increasing the property tax base for the city of Sweet Home, is (1) helping the community to raise awareness of the need for adequate housing for handicapped individuals; (2) will improve the quality of life for a member of our community by providing the opportunity for the resident to better help himself at daily tasks as everything will be built according the ADA Standard – lower cabinets, wheelchair ramps, wider doors, bathroom access and more; (3) will provide satisfaction to the volunteers in knowing that they are working virtually with strangers on a team project, helping someone else achieve a dream and helping the volunteer feel needed and purposeful; (4) promotes volunteerism within the community and sends a signal to our youth about what we value as well as teaches others about diversity, thereby reinforcing acceptance of the handicapped; and (5) will have a positive impact on our community. We sometimes take for granted the community that we live in. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival. This project is ultimately about helping a fellow resident and having an impact on his wellbeing. What better way is there to work with your community, give a little back, and return to society some of the benefits that society has given us? The outpouring of volunteer help from this community to build this home is amazing. This new handicap accessible home means that this individual will soon leave behind an inadequate living space and new opportunities will be available to him. Yes, this team is building more than just a house for an individual. Moreover, the request for the grant was not just for an individual; it is for a community. It is my hope that the City Council will re-evaluate their grant process and award this dedicated group of volunteers the $500 grant. Thank you.