Student-Built Homes Assist Habitat for Humanity

High school students recently completed the ultimate lesson in hands-on learning. Ten high school seniors from the Building Trades program at Erie 1 BOCES Potter Career &Technical Center in West Seneca built a four-bedroom house in the school parking lot. The house was built to the specifications of Habitat for Humanity Buffalo and will be transported to a plot of land on Buffalo’s west side for a family to enjoy.

The 1,366 sq. ft. modular house, complete with bathroom and kitchen facilities, was built for Habitat for Humanity Buffalo with the support of The Patrick P. Lee Foundation and East Hill Foundation. The structure, walls, electrical and some finishing details were all completed by the students. The remaining finishing details such as flooring and kitchen countertops will be installed by Habitat for Humanity once the house is on its foundation in Buffalo.

Kevin J. Scherf, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo executive director, and representatives from the two supporting foundations toured the house on Friday, June 13. Following their tour they presented the students with certificates and T-shirts for their outstanding work.

According to David Grieco, Building Trades program instructor for Erie 1 BOCES, the Potter house was built especially for Habitat for Humanity. But there is another happy twist to the story. At Erie 1 BOCES Harkness Career & Technical Center, located in Cheektowaga, different high school seniors were busy building a second house for an auction. The auction was performed in mid-June by Cash Cunningham and the house sold for $37,500. That house was purchased by Habitat for Humanity for a lot on Dewitt Street in Buffalo.

All funds collected will be used toward building supplies for next year's class project.

"Education leading to employable skills is very important to our foundation," says Rozalind J. Adams, program director for The Patrick P. Lee Foundation. "The partnership of Erie 1 BOCES and Habitat for Humanity working together to provide building skills by constructing a home to be offered to a family in the Buffalo area fits our mission. It was very impressive to see the finished product and the pride of the students who worked on this project."

About Erie 1 BOCES
As part of public education, BOCES offer a variety of career and technical programs during the normal school day to high school students. Erie 1 BOCES partners with Erie County school districts to offer unique learning opportunities in a cost effective manner.  High school students interested in learning more about how they can participate in various programs such as electrical, welding or aviation technology should visit www.e1b.org/cte or speak with their high school counselor.

About Habitat for Humanity Buffalo
Habitat for Humanity was founded by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976 with the goal of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity Buffalo is the 101st affiliate and was founded in 1985. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.