Habitat For Humanity Volunteers Build House In One Weekend

From Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna: Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna has an ambitious project lined up for its volunteers. On July 8 and 9, approximately 100 volunteers are going to build one house in one weekend.

“We’ve never done something like this before,” said Karen Blandford, Executive Director for Habitat Susquehanna. “The goal is to build as much of the home as possible in one weekend with our volunteers, along with volunteers from the Habitat Road Trip Crazies. The “Crazies” have convinced us to give it a try!”

The “Crazies” group – founded by general contractor Tom Gerdy – creates building events with other Habitats several times a year. They offer to bring 50 volunteers and request that the local Habitat provide 50 of its own volunteers for each day of the build.

“The idea was intriguing, and it’s generating a big buzz in the local community,” said Jeremy Bopst, Director of Construction for Habitat Susquehanna.

Several businesses in Havre de Grace, as well as local churches and area residents, have offered food and drink donations, sponsorships and volunteers. Radio station WXCY has offered free publicity. Habitat Susquehanna has been posting the daily contributions on its Facebook page.

“Just our initial post on Facebook announcing our plans to build a house in one weekend got 4,000 views,” said Brianne Young, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator. “That’s unusual for our nonprofit which traditionally may get 300 views per post.”

Young has reached out to the local community as well as her “core” volunteers to spread the word about the needs for the build. She’s asking for construction volunteers (framing, roofing, insulating, siding, drywall); food and beverage volunteers (handing snacks and water to construction volunteers);parking volunteers (directing vehicles to parking area); and,photographers/videographers (capturing the weekend’s activities).

Volunteers can participate one or both days. Interested volunteers can contact Young so that she can provide more detailed information and special instructions. She can be reached at byoung@habitatsusq.org or 410-638-4434 x 6. Online registration is required for all volunteers at: www.habitatsusq.org.

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