Building Hope: Dozens of Rosies Rivet for Habitat

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Saturday, Jan. 21, Habitat for Humanity welcomed volunteers to its first annual “Women Build” event at 26 Cherry Street in the city of Saratoga Springs. Dozens of women of all ages were on hand to help make the dream of home ownership a reality for two very excited families. The duplex under construction is expected to be completed by Spring. Habitat for Humanity’s goal for 2017 is to build three homes within the city limits and Cherry Street is the first of those projects. In her remarks to the assembled crowd, president of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Tammy DiCara, said, “It is an honor to have you all here, as women across the country demonstrate their power,” referring to the many peaceful marches that occurred Saturday around the country and across the world. She added that the work being done at Cherry Street and future locations directly impacts the community. In addition to volunteers, the new homeowners and their families were also on hand to help with the construction. The focus of the work for the day was dry-wall, and experts were on hand to show volunteers how to properly install it. Bruce and Ashley Smith are one of the families who will be moving into one side of the Cherry Street duplex this Spring and they couldn’t be happier. “I’m very excited for my wife and two children,” said Bruce, who currently works at the Recovery Sports Bar in Malta. His wife, Ashley, who works at Maple Leaf Daycare in Malta, said that having their children has made her even more determined to give them a real home. She was doubtful that they would be considered by Habitat, but she filled out the application anyway. “We got a call from Habitat to do a home visit, and we were approved two days later,” she said with a huge smile on her face. “I’ve already got my colors and swatches for all the rooms. I never thought this would ever happen. This is for my kids. They deserve it.” Bruce, who said that he came from a very difficult background growing up, calls himself a “survivor.” “This is a cakewalk compared to some of my other experiences,” he said, referring to the work involved in building the home. “My wife makes everything easier for me,” he added. For Hope, a single mother of five children ranging in age from 17 years to 8-year-old twins, this is also a dream come true. She found out about Habitat for Humanity during a visit to her dentist’s office. “The receptionist told me that I should apply, but I didn’t think I could qualify. But, I said to myself, ‘Why not?’” Hope applied at the end of November and was only told that she got the Cherry Street home the second week of January. Hope and her children had been renting a tiny apartment. Now, the children will have plenty of space in the upstairs bedrooms. “The kids were just ecstatic when I told them the good news,” said Hope. In addition to her oldest daughter, Hope’s mother was also on hand to help with the drywall. “It feels as if everything is falling into place and things are happening just as they were supposed to,” said Hope. “To see everyone coming out to volunteer and be a part of this is just amazing and we are creating such a great memory.” Hope has pink and blue Habitat for Humanity tee shirts and hard hats, and she plans to hang a picture of she and her family dressed in them in their new home. Mayor Joanne Yepsen was also on hand to congratulate the new home owners and to thank the many sponsors, community members, and volunteers that make Habitat’s work possible. The City of Saratoga Springs donated the Cherry Street property, which was in foreclosure, as part of the city’s commitment to provide more affordable housing. “This is so much more than bricks and mortar,” said Yepsen. “It’s helping a family build a home, giving them an address, a place to live, play and learn.” The first home to ever be built by Habitat within the city limits was 195 Division Street, which was completed in the fall of 2016. Habitat for Humanity also receives tremendous help and support from Saratoga Builder’s Association, who donate proceeds from the Showcase of Homes to construct affordable homes. Barry Potoker, president of Saratoga Builder’s Association, was on hand for the Women Build day and commented on the many association members who provide labor, discounted materials and other support to Habitat. He noted that Jesse Boucher of Kodiak Construction was integral in building the Division Street and Cherry Street homes. Habitat for Humanity also acts as the bank for families, working with them to obtaining low interest financing with thirty-year terms. Thrivent Financial Services is the leading financial supporter of Habitat through grants. They have provided $70,000 toward the construction of the duplex on Cherry Street.