Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region is calling on volunteers to help raise the walls of its next build, which will take place Aug. 12 on Cooks Rd. in Roblin.
“We’re looking for about 30 volunteers to come out for the day,” said Teresa Zhang, officer Manager for Habitat for Humanity’s Kingston-Limestone region. “We provide all the safety equipment, all the tools as well as lunch for the day. The only restriction is volunteers have to be over 16 years of age.”
Following the Aug. 12 wall raising, construction will continue Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a target completion of late September. Habitat for Humanity has already selected the family that will move into the home, which is made up of two parents and their two sons. The family will be on hand at the wall raising and throughout the building process, assisting in what Habitat for Humanity calls ‘sweat equity’ in helping to build their new home. Zhang says their presence will also provide volunteers and opportunity to see first hand the difference they are providing for the family.
This will mark the second Habitat build in Greater Napanee, following the construction of a new house last November on Napanee’s King Street. Organizers are hoping their next build will go quickly as their first.
“That was our first build we completed in less than a month,” Zhang said of last November’s project. “In the past it has taken about six months to complete so it’s a good pace and we’re really happy with that.”
Zhang credits the increase in productivity to new CEO Susan Zambonin, who has worked to develop ways to streamline the construction. A supportive volunteer base is also important.
“The Napanee community has been really supportive for our projects,” said Zhang. “Good leadership and a good community both in producing volunteers and helping out with co-ordinating meals with the volunteers and sponsoring.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with the wall raising or sponsoring a meal can contact Volunteer@habitatkingston.com or call 613-548-8763 ext. 202.
“We are constantly looking for volunteers,” said Zhang. “It doesn’t just need to be families but also community organizations, churches or businesses. If they come out to help for a day it would be a really great team building opportunity. No previous experience is required. We always have a site supervisor that will lead the crew and teach them how to use the tools so it’s also a great opportunity to learn new things out of their comfort zone and give a hand up to a local hard-working family.”
The upcoming build is part of a nationwide push to build 150 new Habitat homes in celebration of Canada’s 150th.