2008 Builders’ Blitz Program for Habitat for Humanity
2008 Builders Blitz / 604 and 761 Bourdois Avenue, North Bellport, New York
During the first week of June (June 2-7) the 2008 Builders’ Blitz Program for Habitat for Humanity took place. This special Habitat program occurred not only in the state of New York; it ran throughout the United States. As part of this program Habitat for Humanity reached out to the Board of Directors of LIHBC to see if we could build two houses for them on predetermined sites. Habitat for Humanity then transfers these houses to the specially selected families able to pay a mortgage of about $80,000. Habitat can transfer these houses at such an incredible price because they get the land donated to them by various Suffolk County towns. They also offset many costs by using sponsorships from businesses, foundations and congregations from all walks of life.
In spite of these financially difficult times (especially in the Building Industry) we were able to secure two Builder Teams for the Blitz. Each team was made up of two lead builders; the first team included Joe Varrone from JCV Development Inc. and Matt Whalen from Avalon Bay Communities while the second team was headed by Henry Alia from Ornstein-Leyton Company and Anthony Boucher from Pulte Homes. A ranch style house with three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room and an eat-in kitchen was built at 604 and 761 Bourdois Avenue in North Bellport.
Within five days the builder and sub contractor members who volunteered their services as well as their expertise were able to build these houses on the foundations that were already installed on the sites. Most of the materials and workmanship included in each of these houses were donated by the sub contractors and suppliers used by each Builder team respectively. The Town of Brookhaven worked hand in hand with Habitat and so the Building Teams were able to secure all of the inspections in a timely fashion. We also had the cooperation of all of the utilities and the houses were energized by the third day of construction.
On Saturday, June 7, 2008 Habitat for Humanity held the dedication ceremony for the two selected families that were about to move into their new home. Needless to say, there were so many tears flowing by everyone in attendance. If not for this program these families would never be able to realize the American Dream of home ownership.
