HIU Students, Faculty, Staff Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity Build

A hardy group of students, faculty, and staff volunteered to help work on two Habitat for Humanity houses in East Hartford on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The group arrived at the worksite at 7:45 a.m. with little experience, except for that of facilities maintainer Andy Taylor, who brought his own tools. Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers patiently trained the rest of the group on projects such as installing siding, roofing, using a circular saw, fitting together duct work, putting up drywall, and more.

Construction supervisor Tom McGowen coordinated the build and explained how the Habitat for Humanity model works, with volunteers and qualified homebuyers putting "sweat equity" into the homes built. That reduces the price of a four-bedroom home from around $300,000 to between $160,000 and $170,000. Only about 1 percent of buyers end up in foreclosure, he said.

The build ended around 3 p.m. and volunteers were invited to attend a dedication ceremony for the new homes when they are ready for occupancy early next year.