THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: Friday, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511010136 SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL SOURCE: BY JANELLE LA BOUVE, STAFF WRITER LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for low-income families, has built its first house in Chesapeake, but there is still a need for volunteer assistance and materials to finish the job.
``We need professionals to step forward and say, `I'll do that plumbing and make that contribution,' '' said Sylvia M. Hallock, executive director of the organization. ``We need someone to do the same thing with the electrical hookup.
``There are many companies which are doing well in the community. This will give them an opportunity to give something back.''
``We need a heating and air conditioning professional,'' said Mary Keith Garrett, construction coordinator for all Habitat for Humanity projects in South Hampton Roads. ``We need someone to do the flatwork concrete work, a carpet installer, some carpenters to build the front porch and someone who has a tractor who will do grading for the landscaping.
``If we could find a building partner, who would just love to take on the responsibility for finishing the house, that would be great,'' said Garrett. ``It could be any group of people, a local service club, such as the Lions Club, the Boy Scouts or a small church or a construction company.
``We would welcome suppliers and vendors who will donate new materials,'' Hallock said.
Since all Habitat for Humanity homeowners receive a one-year warranty on their new houses, new materials are required for construction, she said.
Tax credits may be offered for some of the larger donations, she said.
``We are working hard to get the family in before the Thanksgiving holidays,'' Garrett said.
This week volunteers have accomplished several things. Sand was put under the house to absorb moisture and raise the elevation under the house. The footing has been poured and a block foundation has been built.
``The house will be lowered on its foundation this week,'' Garrett said.
Already city agencies and businesses have cooperated on the project. Students from the Tidewater Builders Association's apprenticeship program built the house. The Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority donated the Spadina Avenue site where the house is located.
The couple who will soon be the proud owners of the house has been chosen.
``When we get the certificate of occupancy, the family can move in,'' Hallock said. ``The plan now is to move the family in and then we'll come back and build the porch.''
Hallock expects that one or two more Habitat for Humanity houses will be built within the next year. by CNB