Volunteers sought for home construction
Habitat for Humanity looking for 35 to 50 volunteers for Oct. 17-18 build
It’s taken much longer than anticipated but Clinton-gratiothabitat forhumanity is finally back in the construction business.
In July 2019, the agency broke ground for a new home to be built on Barber Street in Ithaca.
However, before actual work could begin the COVID-19, pandemic struck.
“Oh my goodness, yes COVID changed our plans dramatically,” ClintonGratiot Habitat for Humanity Executive Director L. Quinn Lincoln-keon said. “Our initial plan was to raise the walls and get the house enclosed the weekend of May 18. Subcontractors were not able to work in late March throughmay so their committed work was delayed, whichmeant our work was delayed.
“All of their March and April contracts were pushed back, which pushed our start date back significantly.”
The home’s cement slab foundation was recently installed with assistance from members of the Ithaca Church of God, lo
cated just down the street from the construction site, and Montcalm Habitat for Humanity, which supplied heavy equipment for that portion of the project.
Now the agency is looking for between 35 and 50 volunteers on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1718 to do a “Blitz-build” of the walls and roof, and install siding, windows and doors.
“This is one of our most intense weekends, but one of the most rewarding,” Lincoln-keon said. “Many hands make light work. We are in need of professionals as well as those inexperienced.
“Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, experienced and not, male or female, those willing to dance on a roof and those whose feet are firmly planted on the ground.”
Even those who can supply workers with snacks and meals are encouraged to take part, she added.
The only stipulation for the Blitz-build is that volunteers must be 18 years of age or older because power tools will be used on the site.
The walls have been pre-built by inmates from the St. Louis Correctional Facility as part of a training program.
Once the home is enclosed subcontractors will be hired to do the plumbing, heating and electrical work, then additional volunteers will be needed to paint and install cabinet s , Lincoln- Keon said.
Once everything is completed a dedication ceremony will be scheduled.
The new owners will be Curtis Davidson and Samantha Gipson, and their two daughters.
“Although we would love to see this family in by Christmas, COVID may dictate a different timetable,” Lincoln- Keon explained. “This will also be reliant upon volunteers available.”
She also noted that Habitat homes aren’t a “giveaway.”
The new owners, which the agency calls “partners,” must have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage as well as taxes and insurance.
They also are required to put in “hundreds of hours” helping build their own home as well volunteer for other Habitat projects, Lincoln- Keon said.
“Partner homeowners attend classes that include budgeting, simple home maintenance, saving, retirement, financial planning and even the cost of owning pets,” she explained. “They become part of Habitat and the community way before their house is built.”
Lincoln-keon also noted that city of Ithaca officials have been a big help during the project as well as many others throughout Gratiot County.
“Everyone has been so easy to work with and helped us through all of our questions and concerns,” she added.
Nowthe agency is looking for between 35 and 50 volunteers on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18todo a “Blitz-build” of thewalls and roof, and install siding, windows and doors.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for the BlitzBuild weekend or make a donation can call 989227-1771 and select option 4, or call 517- 575- 5814.