First Build Day

The crew was up again bright and early, ready to head out to the build site. After an exciting peanut butter and banana sandwich, I was ready to hit the road and get my build on!

When we arrived at the Habitat for Humanity office we were able to quickly check in and meet the staff and volunteers we would be working with all day long. Because there are so many of us, the group was separated into three smaller groups. Our group biked about a mile down the road to a duplex home which was in the middle of being constructed. Duplex homes are a way for Habitat to not only save money, but also house more families which is fantastic. Below is the shell of the house we were working on.

We were split up for a variety of tasks which included painting, hanging dry wall clips, putting up siding and cutting/installing insulation. Paul was our Habitat staff member (below in red) and was one of the sweetest and most patient men I have met in a while (probably two qualities necessary for a staff member). While we were hanging a door, I asked him if he was a general contracted/if he had had a career in construction. It turns out he was a regular Saturday volunteer and when full time job opened, he applied and got it. Apparently you do not need to be a licensed contractor to oversee a project when working with the Florida habitat offices.

 

For those of you who read my last blog, you will know that I am obsessed with houses and street art. Next door to where we were building was what I am calling the The Pirate Ship House. I wanted to take a picture at the wheel, but was afraid that someone would come out of the house.

 

Before we left for the afternoon we were also able to sign our names on the house.