2 new homes built from the ground up on MLK Jr. holiday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The sounds of music were accompanied by the sound of drills and hammers on Monday as two new homes were being built from the ground up on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

"We started putting trusses on first thing this morning," said volunteer Glyndon Bruhl.

Bruhl has been a Habitat for Humanity volunteer since 1987 and said helping build homes in Charlotte's Wingate community is at the core of King's mission.

"I feel like this is a way of contributing to the community and helping, helping others," said Bruhl.

On Monday, more than 100 volunteers were taking part in the MLK Day of Service to build two homes on Dodge and Amay James avenues.

"Today, I have the pleasure of putting the shingles up on the roof," said volunteer Ellie Sheild.

Sheild, a senior at Charlotte Latin, started two weeks ago.

"It's going to be really great to see it come full circle," said Sheild.

She will be working for the next two months until the homes are complete, and then the families get to move in.

"I know this family is actually an immigrant family new to the United States, and so just kind of elevating that dream one more step for them, they're super excited to be moving in," said a staff member.

Sheild said Monday is a day to really reflect on what Martin Luther King was all about -- community.

"We might've heard all his words, but are we truly living them and we are truly carrying out what he wants us to do. And that's what makes it so meaningful for me to be here today," said Sheild.

WSOC