The construction of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s neighborhood off Dennis Street in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village is well under way! Most recently, on Wednesday, May 29, a large crowd of volunteers, donors, staff, and the future partner family gathered for the third wall-raising ceremony in the new Habitat neighborhood, which will total 17 houses when complete. View pictures from the wall-raising here.
Events like this are a great way to experience the community support involved in creating this neighborhood. Neighbors and members of the Swannanoa community are always welcome to attend. To stay abreast of upcoming events, follow Habitat on Facebook or visit www.ashevillehabitat.org.
The sponsors involved in the first three homes are diverse: Habitat House Under Construction students from two schools, Asheville Christian Academy and Christ School, raised the money for sponsorship of the first home. The second is sponsored by Thrivent Builds for Lutherans and four local Lutheran churches. And the third is made possible thanks to Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and the Estate of Evelyn and Sam DeVries, long-time residents of Swannanoa with strong ties to Warren Wilson College and Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church.
Construction on the fourth home will kick off on Friday, June 21 with a wall raising at 12 noon. (See Upcoming Events in the right column.) Known as “Dave’s House,” this home is being built in loving memory of former Swannanoa resident Dave Bassett, who died of brain cancer. Dave was a member of Habitat’s Board of Directors and a strong advocate for building affordable homes in the East Valley. Dave’s widow, Sylvia, and his daughters, along with friends of Dave and local community members, are raising the money to sponsor this home.
The wide array of sponsors in the Swannanoa Habitat neighborhood signifies the immense community support for affordable housing in the East Valley. From teenagers and faith groups to corporate sponsors and everyday people who want to remember a friend: it’s thanks to the community that Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is able to build neighborhoods that provide safe and affordable homes to hard-working, deserving families.
In addition to monetary support, Habitat needs volunteers to help build! Volunteering on the construction site requires a full-day commitment (8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.). Depending on the stage of construction, you can expect to frame floors and walls, build porches, install windows, set trusses, landscape, paint and stain – no experience or skills are necessary. Habitat’s construction managers will teach you what you need to know. If you want to get dirty, learn new skills, meet new people, and help your community, consider signing up for a day on Habitat’s construction site. Learn more.