Few feelings can surpass that of knowing you have helped someone live a better life. By providing affordable housing to families that normally could not afford the expenses of a regular home, Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio, Inc., (HFHSA) operates without profit or interest for their developments. Working with families whose income falls in the 25-60% of the average income; housing recipients are accepted based upon their abilities to pay a 0% interest mortgage, and their agreement to collaborate in the project. Also required by the families is 300 hours of work towards their new home. Supervised by experienced Team leaders and other experienced members, volunteers are allowed to take part in the painting, drilling, interior and exterior design, and landscaping process of the project. Also encouraged are volunteers for the lunch crew who are asked to bring food for about 30 people to feed. Being a purely volunteer based program that involves physical labor, to there are stipulations in regards to age and safety requirements that all participating volunteers must abide by in order to participate. Proper attire and closed-toe boots are required for involvement. Items such as gloves, caps, sun block among other items are encouraged as well. Volunteers are greatly needed help build on Fridays and on select Saturdays. For more information on volunteering, please visit their page to fill out volunteer forms and learn of Habitat Building sites closest to you. CM

El Placazo Newspaper is one of three projects operated by San Anto Cultural Arts. The purpose of the newspaper is threefold: 1) educate and train youth in all aspects of newspaper production (photography, journalism, computer layout and design, desktop publishing, editing); 2) develop and nurture the artistic, writing and cognitive skills of youth participants; 3) allow for community residents to voice, document and express their creativity, history, social concerns and thoughts through the submission and publication of poetry, articles, and artwork.

The newspaper is published monthly, has an estimated yearly readership of 96,000 and is distributed to over 320 locations and subscribers in San Antonio, Texas, the US and Mexico. General subscriptions are $15 dollars, and $5 for inmates, upon request.

To become part of the El Placazo Newspaper Program as a youth staff member, a writing, photography or layout/design mentor, or a general volunteer, please contact El Placazo Coordinator, Cristina Ordonez at 226-7466 or cordonez@sananto.org.

The increasing popularity of on-line dating services may have some wondering if the current state of human interaction is at risk; are we being socially inept? Not at all, as technology moves forward so do we, and as ever evolving creatures we must adapt to our surroundings. Internet dating services are convenient for those who for one reason or another haven't found that special someone and are ready for a commitment without having to dance around the issue, like you would normally do in a typical getting to know you situation. In a way maybe they have the market licked, through the internet, on-line daters are able to lay all their cards on the table before the relationship escalates, almost as if they"re all wearing yellow post its on their faces that identify what they’re looking for, "serious commitment”, “summer fling”,  “recently divorced”… Some sites are more selective than others (i.e. income, attractiveness, etc.) but they all revolve around the same thing, finding someone. So if you’re a single someone and would like to avoid the bar/club scene give an online dating service a shot, because really what do you have to lose?