
Contributing editor
The clock is ticking on Charlestown's Habitat for the Humanity project.
Last fall, officials from Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna announced plans to demolish an existing structure and then build a new home in Charlestown Place. So far, so good.
Now volunteers are needed to finish the work. The home is located in the 400 block of Charlestown Place.
According to Kevin Rabold, staff construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, about two dozen volunteers are needed each day, Tuesday through Saturday, to make the deadline for the project's completion.
The house that's under construction has three bedrooms and one bathroom. It features a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, under cabinet microwave, dishwasher, and disposal. The home also has Energy Star appliances and an electric heat pump and air conditioning. It comes equipped with a washer, dryer, and laundry tub. The home is built on a concrete slab and does not have a basement. There is attic storage. The family that will receive the home has not yet been selected.
Rabold said it's hard to predict the number of volunteers that will be on site.
"It comes and goes. We had a week or two with large groups everyday," said Rabold. "A lot of our volunteers are retired. Some come to help other people. Some do it for fun. Some volunteer so they can meet new people."
He explained that building a home for someone in need is a partnership. Partners in this project include Cecil County government, APGFCU, and 84 Lumber. The labor comes from the volunteers.
"Volunteers do not do concrete work, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. They do everything else," said Rabold.
Rabold said that most of the volunteers need to be 18 and older in order to use power tools. There are a few tasks on site that those age 16 and up can do.
In order to volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna work site, volunteers are required to watch an online safety video. They must also sign a waiver and have health insurance.
To volunteer as either an individual or group, on the web go to www.habitatsusq.org. Or contact awillis@habitatsusq.org or call Abrielle Willis at 410-638-4434 extension 6.
Individuals are needed on site Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. No experience is necessary and training will be provided on the job.