Inmates recycling for Habitat

Through a simple act of recycling an empty soda can or water bottle, inmates of the state prison south of Yuma are helping to make a "dream home" a reality for a needy family.

Habitat for Humanity in Yuma annually uses proceeds from aluminum can recycling toward the construction of homes for low-income families. Now prisoners are gathering up their 20-ounce plastic soda bottles for recycling and donating the proceeds to Habitat.

The inmates began collecting the bottles in October, but the partnership is set to be formally recognized at a ceremony today at the prison that will be attended by Jerry Sternes, Yuma prison warden, and Marilyn Young, president of the board of Habitat for Humanity of Yuma.

Bill Lamoreaux, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Corrections, said the Yuma prison contacted Habitat for Humanity and asked if its inmates could start a recycling program to help Habitat.

"(The prison) is a part of the (San Luis) community. We serve and protect, and this is one of many ways.

"The prisoners are very excited to help out," Lamoreaux said. "It gives them a chance to feel good (and) give back to the community."

The bottles the inmates have been collecting come from an inmate store and vending machines that sell both water and soda. Located in the prison complex are four large containers built in the shape of a house and more than 50 smaller containers where the inmates deposit the bottles.

Since October, the inmates have raised nearly $300 for Habitat, Lamoreaux said.

"I think it is a win-win situation," Young said. "It gives the people in prison a sense of self-worth by giving back to the community. We come closer to offering a family the American dream."

Habitat for Humanity of Yuma has built 12 homes in the Yuma area since 1996 and is currently on schedule to complete two more in March.