Midland, Michigan, April 2017 – Eight months ago two steel beams were placed on a cement pad outside the doors of the Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA) located at 7730 W. Wackerly St. While this may not seem like a big deal to most, it was a huge mile stone for Midland County Habitat for Humanity (MCHFH) and our partnership with Greater Michigan Construction Academy. GMCA students spent the last 8 months on the first phase of construction for our future Habitat Homeowner. The home was constructed under the supervision of GMCA Instructors and Matthew Weckesser, Construction Manager for Midland County Habitat for Humanity.
“The Greater Michigan Construction Academy was thrilled to be a part of this project. Our students were able to apply their training on a project that will serve a family in our community. GMCA’s mission is to collaborate with our contractors and our communities. That is exactly what this partnership represents. We look forward to partnering with Midland County Habitat for Humanity on many projects in the future.” Said Stephanie Davis, Vice President, Greater Michigan Construction Academy.
On Thursday, April 27th, at 9:00 am Laracey House Movers will move the house to its permanent location at 310 Sam Street, where it will be set onto its foundation. The house will then undergo the final phase of building, getting it ready for the new homeowners to move in!
“Our partnership with GMCA provided their students a hands on opportunity to learn the trade of residential construction. We are honored and thankful for this partnership and are looking forward to future builds with GMCA. Our mission at Habitat for Humanity is…”bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.” The partnership with GMCA is a prime example of our mission in action.” Said Jennifer Chappel, Executive Director Midland County Habitat for Humanity.
After the house is in place the next phase of construction will begin. During Women Build week (May 8-May 12), 250+ women volunteers will be on site installing
insulation, siding, cutting out and installing windows and doors, and building a garage. It will ultimately take another 6 weeks to complete the home. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the completion of the home, contact Lauri Ireland, Community Outreach Coordinator at 989-496-0900 ext. 24 or ireland@midlandhabitat.org to make arrangements. The home is tentatively scheduled to be completed mid-late June.
About Midland County Habitat; Formed in 1988, Midland County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by building decent, affordable housing through a partnership of volunteers and Midland County residents in need. Houses are built using volunteer labor and donated materials. Then, employing biblical economics, homes are sold to families, at no profit, through an interest-free mortgage.
The Greater Michigan Construction Academy’s mission is to educate thru collaboration of the construction industry, their employees, and our communities. GMCA strives to develop professional workplace competencies and skills while promoting the industry as a career choice.