Lori and Jerry HcHugh from Boulder City, Nev., are on their first build, but it’s not their last.

“It’s hard work, but it’s all worth it. The people that you work with are so giving of their time,” Jerry said.

“We need to take care of our own. Sometimes we forget there are so many people in need in our own country.”

Another challenge for the builders is adapting to the Minnesota heat.

“We tend to set weather records wherever we go,” Salter joked.

If you’re interested in helping, contact your local Habitat for Humanity at 388-2081 or visit habitat.org.

“It’s quite amazing what they do — traveling on their own expense to work on homes for needy people,” said Alison Troldahl, volunteer coordinator for the Mankato chapter.