ODU Habitat for Humanity Build Back on Track After Nor'easter Damaged Home

The house in Lambert's Point being built by Old Dominion University volunteers through Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads was damaged during the recent nor'easter.

But the project is back on track, and organizers are seeking volunteers for four upcoming days.

"Just prior to the nor'easter, a small crew of university and Habitat volunteers made a valiant effort to secure the Habitat House from the storm," said Richard Massey, ODU associate vice president for foundations, and coordinator of this year's ODU-Habitat campaign. "Unfortunately, their efforts were not totally successful and the house sustained some damage."

Four construction days have been scheduled in the run-up to Christmas, to get the build back on track.

• On Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to apply firewall material;
• On Wednesday, Dec. 16, and Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to fill in the nailing pattern, work on the porch roof, construct fly-rafters and build a shed; and
• On Saturday, Dec. 19, 10 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to wrap the house and install temporary exterior doors

"A damage assessment has been completed, and small crews have been working on the house to repair that damage and prepare the house for continued work," Massey said.

"The support for the build has been nothing short of exceptional. Scores of members of the ODU community have been involved in the project thus far, and everyone I have talked to came away feeling good about the project and thanked us for giving them the opportunity to work on it."

To volunteer for any of the upcoming ODU-Habitat build days, visit the Habitat Web site at http://www.volunteerup.com/Login.asp?w=i&o=137 and follow the instructions. Anyone with questions can contact Massey at 757-683-4261 or rmassey@odu.edu.

Founded in 1988, Habitat SHR, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Its mission is to eliminate poverty housing and make decent housing a matter of conscience and action. Habitat provides no-profit, no-interest mortgages to qualified low-income families in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Isle of Wight County.

For more information, to volunteer services or to make a financial donation, call Habitat SHR at 640-0590 or go to www.shrhabitat.org.