Adequate and affordable housing is one of the great needs in America these days, and the Greater Lycoming County area is no exception. In a bid to help lessen this problem, the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity (GLHFH) organization will be conducting a “Blitz Build” during the two-day period of June 6 and 7.
A “Blitz Build” is a high-energy, high-impact homebuilding event designed to accelerate construction through the collective efforts of local volunteers and experienced Habitat for Humanity builders from across the country. For GLHFH, the event marks a major milestone in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Lycoming County.
“This Blitz Build is an incredible opportunity to bring our community together to make homeownership a reality for another local family,” said Dana Brigandi, Director of Development for GLHFH. “In just one weekend, volunteers will help build more than a house — they’ll help build stability, security, and a stronger future.”
According to Brigandi, the project will be supported by a group of 40-45 experienced Habitat volunteers from a national group known as the “Habitat Road Trip Crazies.”
Founded in 1988 in Lynchburg, Va., the group has traveled throughout the United States, helping small Habitat affiliates construct more than 100 homes. The team will work alongside GLHFH’s construction crew and local volunteers during the two-day event. More than 100 volunteers from the community, including sponsoring businesses and organizations, will assist in the construction project.
Typically, a Habitat home takes 12-18 months to complete through the work of staff and volunteers. The Blitz Build model dramatically accelerates that timeline while maintaining Habitat’s standards for quality, safety, and energy efficiency.
“The Crazies love to help communities stir up some excitement and help families build and buy their homes,” said building contractor Tom Gerdy of Lynchburg, who helps coordinate the traveling volunteer group. “The best part about these builds is that they are head-clearing and heart-growing events for all involved.”
“The Blitz Build” supports GLHFH’s five-year strategic plan to construct 11 homes in Williamsport and South Williamsport by the end of 2027. The 1628 Scott St. home will be the third of six planned homes on that street and the sixth home completed under the current strategic plan. To date, GLHFH has completed two homes on Clark Street in South Williamsport, two on Scott Street, and a partnership home at 508 Fifth Ave., built with Pennsylvania College of Technology students.
No prior construction experience is required to volunteer for the Blitz Build; however, all construction volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Safety training and protective equipment will be provided on-site. GLHFH is also seeking donations for meals, water, and refreshments for volunteers during the two-day event. Hospitality volunteers are needed to assist with water distribution, traffic direction, and supply coordination.
“Who knows, if we get enough funding and volunteer help, maybe we can do two houses that weekend,” Brigandi said. “We have the land, and we have the walls — we just need the financial support and dedicated volunteers to make it happen.”
Much of the success that Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity has achieved over the years is due in large part to the partnership they have with Penn College.
In addition to building construction technology, the project involved classes in the college’s concrete science technology, electrical construction, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, heavy equipment operator technology, and landscape/plant production majors. Architectural technology students also participated by proposing energy-efficient designs for the site.
A little bit about Habitat for Humanity and the local chapter.
Its mission: Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Since 1989, Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity has been providing local, low-income residents with safe, affordable homeownership. The Williamsport/Lycoming Habitat for Humanity was started by Ben and Ruth Keller in 1987 and became an official affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1989.
In October 2007, the Williamsport/Lycoming Habitat for Humanity was renamed Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity to better reflect its service to the Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford, and eastern Clinton counties region.
The ReStore opened in May 2008. The ReStore is a retail operation managed by GLHFH staff that sells new and used building components, hardware, furniture, and household goods at 50 to 75 percent off retail price. Due to ReStore sales and recycling programs, tons of reusable materials are kept out of landfills annually.
GLHFH works with low- to moderate-income families using mostly volunteer labor. Interested homeowners must apply and proceed through a qualification process for a 30-year mortgage through a community bank. GLHFH works with families throughout the course of their loan to keep owners current on their mortgages, taxes, and insurance. Qualified selected families must also contribute 250 hours of “sweat equity” through hands-on work during the home build phase. Most GLHFH new construction homes are energy-efficient, have three bedrooms, and 1,200-1,600 square feet of living space.
GLHFH has completed 60 homes in our region since 1989, with five additional new homes to be built by 2027.
If you have questions about Habitat or wish to help with the “Blitz Build,” you can contact them at http://www.lycominghabitat.org or call 570-322-2515.
