Watts House-Raising

* How fortunate we were to come to Los Angeles and be part of the Habitat for Humanity’s 1995 Jimmy Carter Work Project (as volunteers) in Watts (June 20). This was my fifth Jimmy Carter Work Project. I am still amazed to see 21 homes raised from the concrete slab (Monday) to completion on Saturday. My small effort was swinging a hammer and doing landscaping for house No. 12, while my wife helped to feed the volunteers.

We were thanked time and again by the lucky homeowners and other residents of the area. But we can’t thank them enough for a super-interesting and enjoyable week. What a learning experience, and we met so many warm and friendly people.

For me it’s always a good feeling to work with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. They are so sincere and devoted.

Along with the other volunteers I enjoyed meeting and working with was another small group who I fear may not have gotten enough recognition. They were 10 to 20 young people (18-24 years old) who serve in the National Civilian Community Corps under AmeriCorps, a new national service movement. They refer to themselves as the grandchildren of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were a big help and pleasant to work with.

All we ever heard about Watts was that it is a place where riots occurred. But we know better now. It is an area of many nice tree-lined streets, interesting homes, beautiful bougainvillea and artistic murals. We also know that Watts has its problems, many homes in need of repair and its share of crime. But it is a diverse community of basically hard-working and friendly people who made us all feel very welcome.

JULES and BETTY HORWITZ

Fort Pierce, Fla.