Habitat build draws interest, volunteers

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This Potter Avenue lot was donated by a former Granvillian to Habitat for Humanity. A home will be built and a family will be selected to own the property in 2019. (Photo by Krystle Morey)

By Krystle S. Morey

Since Habitat for Humanity announced it would erect a home on a vacant lot on Potter Avenue in Granville, the project has gained traction with sponsors and prospective volunteers.

Interest in the build is flourishing, even five months before construction is set to start.

About 50 people attended a Community Outreach event at the Slate Town Brewery in Granville on Nov. 8. There was a brief presentation about the build and conversation enjoyed with cocktails.

Adam Feldman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, was thrilled with the turnout.

“The Granville community is super excited to learn more, get involved and help out,” Feldman said. “It’s very rewarding to see how appreciative they are.”

The purpose of the outreach event: “For the community to get to know us and for us to get to know the community,” Feldman said.

In addition to volunteers, the project has also drawn support from sponsors and businesses and individuals who plan to donate time and materials.

Telescope Casual Furniture made a contribution to be the lead sponsor of the build. Saint-Gobain has also signed on.

A group of volunteers that call themselves “The Habitat for Humanity Road Trip CRAZIES!!” have agreed to travel to Granville next spring to help kick off construction. The Virginia-based group, which consists of skilled contractors and do-it-yourself-ers, helps with Habitat builds across the country.

“They will be bringing about 50 people to Granville to help build over a 48-hour period,” Feldman said. Construction is set to begin in April at 19 Potter Ave.

“As soon as the ground thaws, we’ll get started on the foundation,” Feldman said.

The project should be completed in four to five months, with work being done two days a week.

“We’ve had so much support that I’m going to have to slow everything down so I can get everybody involved,” joked Feldman.

The community has expressed such interest that this likely won’t be Habitat’s sole Granville build, Feldman said.

“The goal will be to continue the relationship and continue to build in Granville,” he said.

Selecting a family

Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit Christian housing ministry. Through the help of volunteers and donations, Habitat works to provide affordable housing for those less fortunate.

Once a home is completed, a family will be selected to move in. The family will pay a subsidized mortgage and be tasked with helping build the home.

Families interested in the Granville home should attend one of two family selection events that are planned in December:

Dec. 1, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Granville United Methodist Church, 18 Church St.

Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Telescope Casual Furniture, 82 Church St.

At each event, prospective families will learn about the application process, fill out forms and have an opportunity to ask questions.

A team from Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties will be present at each function.

More information can be obtained by calling 518-793-7484.