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BLITZ BUILT HOME IN 49 HOURS AND 20 MINUTES!
| Submitted: May 17th, 2010
By: |
The Niagara Home Builders Association and the Niagara Construction Association teamed up to build a Habitat home this past weekend. Construction began at 7:32am on Friday May 14th and continued for 49 consecutive hours. A unified team of almost 250 volunteers from the two associations worked together to build this 1100 sq foot, 3-bedroom, raised bungalow home on Frazer Street in Welland.
“As skilled builders, we wanted to do something special for Habitat, something completely unique that only our two associations could possibly pull off”, remarked Chuck McShane, President of the Niagara Home Builders Association.
In the 24 years I’ve been in the construction business, never have I seen a team so focused, so dedicated, so committed to one cause. Every person worked together with a smile on their face, as fast and as safe as they could to get this home built. The family is not the only winner here, the builders, the donors, the volunteers, the community, and both associations are all winners today” said Tara Christensen, Niagara Construction Association President.
Today, the team of builders from the two associations donated the home to Habitat Niagara and its newest family partner, Natasha Acaster, in a key turning ceremony.
Stephen Kaiser, Blitz Build 2010 Project Chair commented, “Like a Stanley Cup winning team, our two associations worked and played their hearts out this weekend and ultimately brought home the cup for a deserving family in Welland. Our construction team leaders coached their players to victory and we are all forever changed by the tremendous effort.”
Ms. Acaster will be the new owner of Habitat’s 32nd home built in the region. As part of Habitat’s unique homeownership program, this family will purchase the home and repay a no-interest, no-down-payment mortgage that is geared to their income. Additionally, the family will volunteer 500 hours in their community as part of Habitat’s Sweat Equity requirement.
Natasha Acaster and her two daughters, Kyera (11yrs.) and Alyssa (almost 9yrs.) plan to move into their new home this summer. The family were long-time Welland residents, prior to a separation that forced them to move multiple times and settle in Port Colborne where they currently live in a 640sq foot, 2-bedroom, second-floor apartment. The all-stick construction and narrow single entrance make this shelter unsafe and inadequate. The family attends First Baptist Church in Welland and the girls still attend Empire Public School, also in Welland. Alyssa wants to be a teacher one day. Kyera wants to be a gymnast, a lawyer, or a fashion designer: she’s not quite sure. What is certain is that both girls want to be famous one day! Mom, Natasha, went to back to school to be a Personal Support Worker and is currently employed with the Red Cross. Getting back to Welland with the stability of a home is their dream.
“This home will give me a sense of pride that I will be able to give the girls a home that is just ‘ours’. The security of knowing that this is where we can stay, that we don’t have to move again, that I don’t have to worry about a fire, or mold, leaks, or running out of water because this is a new house” said Natasha when asked about what this home will mean to her. She went on to say, “I want the Home Builders to know this home means so much to me. It’s a place where we can feel comfortable and secure. Where we can be accepted, no matter what. A place to build memories. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and want to thank all the home builders, donors and volunteers.”
Alastair Davis, CEO Habitat Niagara stated “I am in awe of the extreme teamwork of all the volunteers who worked to build a home for Natasha’s family. Many months of planning and a few sleepless nights were required to bring this vision to a reality.” He added, “Memories for a lifetime were made this weekend. The Niagara Construction Association and the Niagara Home Builders’ Association worked as a perfect partnership. Their leadership and care for others is remarkable and we thank each person and business involved.”
About Habitat for Humanity Niagara:
Habitat for Humanity Niagara is an independent, not-for-profit housing organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty by building homes in partnership with families in need. We build safe, decent, and affordable houses on a non-profit basis and provide no down payment, interest-free mortgages to qualifying families who would otherwise not be able to purchase their own home. Habitat is not a giveaway program; we provide "a hand up not a hand out". Qualifying families contribute sweat equity hours through involvement with Habitat or other community charitable endeavours.
Established locally in 1993, Habitat has completed construction of 30 homes in Niagara. We are a member of Habitat for Humanity Canada; part of a worldwide network that spans more than 90 countries, has built over 300,000 homes, and is now building a new home every 10 minutes.
Habitat for Humanity Niagara operates a retail outlet selling donated new and used building materials, hardware and home supplies, called the ReStore. The ReStore concept is by definition GREEN, diverting to sales product that was destined for landfill. Since opening St. Catharines in 2000, we have diverted over 3,000,000 pounds. The resulting revenue supports our affiliate overhead costs and funds house builds, making the organization self-sustainable.
Interested in assisting Habitat through the donation of building materials, services, your time, or cash donations? Please contact our Director of Operations Craig Fowler, craig@habitatniagara.ca or 905 685 7395 ext 206.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Aceti
Director of Marketing and Communications
Habitat for Humanity Niagara
141 Cushman Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 6T2
Tel: 905-685-7395 ext 204
Fax: 905-685-7394
Email: lisa@habitatniagara.ca
Website: www.habitatniagara.ca
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