Springfield—Representatives of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity and Mayor Domenic Sarno will meet at lot 0076 on Quincy St (between Eastern Ave. & Hancock St.) at 2:30pm on Friday, April 13 to announce the tornado recovery efforts of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. The lot is the future site of a home for a tornado displaced family. Everyone in attendance will be invited to help break ground as part of the announcement.
“Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity plans to build four homes in total for tornado affected families with the goal of bringing them “Home for the Holidays” before the first of the New Year.” says Jennifer Schimmel, executive director. The houses will be located on Mill St, Leitch St, Clayton St, and Quincy St. in Springfield. “It’s again, so meaningful to partner with Habitat for Humanity especially in a tornado affected area,” stated Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “The work of this organization is commendable and is done in a manner that is not only efficient and effective, but more importantly, heartfelt.”
The project will begin with a one week blitz build on the anniversary of the tornado on June 1, 2012 in which all four homes will be raised and weather tight by the end of the week. Volunteers including friends from around the Commonwealth and from their sister affiliate in Guatemala, whom representatives of GSHFH built homes for in 2011. Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity will then continue to build with 95% volunteer support throughout the summer and fall to bring the families home for the holidays.
Key players in providing both financial support and in-kind labor and materials for these homes include:
- Babson Capital
- National Stabilization Project Funds
- Catuogno Court Reporting
- TNT General Contracting
- Vartanian Cabinetry
In addition to Mayor Domenic Sarno, other attendees at the press event will include Jennifer Schimmel, Executive Director of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; Bob Perry, Board President, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; Walt Tomala, President TNT General Contracting;
More information on volunteerism and the project can be found at www.habitatspringfield.org.