NELSONVILLE — On a comfortable early September morning, Larry Brunton stood a mere steps away from the budding foundations of what will soon become his home in Nelsonville. Behind him stood the Construction Trades program from Tri-County Career Center — students who will be responsible for building the new single-family detached house — along with representatives from Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio and a number of sponsors of the initiative.
Come this spring or so, Brunton will have a brand new abode just waiting for him to make it a home.
“I’ve very excited. It’s hard to find affordable housing,” Brunton said. “This is a dream come true.”
Brunton described the application process as “easy” and said he has enjoyed the required volunteer hours needed as part of the application. Brunton works for ReStore and is adding his assistance to a Habitat build in Glouster.
Tri-County’s Construction Trades program builds a house each year. Habitat for Humanity builds houses. A partnership was a no-brainer.
“We’re very happy to be able to work with Tri-County on a Habitat home here in Nelsonville,” said Ken Oehlers, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio. “Vocational trades are absolutely essential in the workplace and the economy that we live in.”
We’re happy to be able to build for Larry and we’re happy to be able to build with Tri-County,” he added.
Jon Denhart, an instructor of Constructions Trades, said his eight seniors will be responsible for much of the build while students from Tri-County’s Electrical Trades program and HVAC/Plumbing program will join in completion of the home.
“We’re very excited to give back to the community in this way,” said Connie Altier, superintendent of Tri-County Career and High School.
During a groundbreaking ceremony, Construction Trades senior Richard Freitag told The 360, “I’m pretty excited. It’s gonna be fun” and added that he was looking forward to getting the foundation and walls started.
Josh McKee added, “Yea, um we get to give to the community and gain some experience on house building, interior and exterior.”
Christopher Wimberly said he too is excited to work on the Habitat house although he did not specify any particular area he was looking forward to building.
“It’s really something else to get out there and get your hands on there and build something,” said Sam Esky, 17, a senior from Alexander who described joining Tri-County as part of her “grand plan” for her career.
Dawn Worley-Sims, Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio’s director of community engagement, said the organization builds around eight to 10 houses a year. She said she wants the students to have a great experience both working with Habitat for Humanity and on the home.
Worley-Sims said the moment when the keys are handed over to the new owners is emotional.
“It brings tears to my eyes because it’s just a wonderful moment,” she said. “We establish relationships with our homeowners. If they need things, we truly are there for them. They are part of our family.”
Juniors and seniors in Tri-County Career Center and High School’s New Media+ program combined to cover and gather information for this article. This article originally appeared on The 360, a publication of the New Media+ program.
