The latest Habitat for Humanity home is well on track, thanks to the help of students from Carlton Comprehensive’s carpentry class.
The project in the West Flat area of Prince Albert began in early September and the students have been there since the first shovel-load of dirt was lifted.
On Oct. 20, students, as well as other volunteers, had already completed the foundation, walls and roof shingling and had already begun putting up siding.
Their hope is to have the building sealed in before the cold weather truly sets in.
It’s been good for both students and the organization say those involved.
Carpentry teacher Pat Halgison said he’s seen his students transform in the trade from goof-offs to serious professionals.
“They’ve come a long way. At the beginning of the year I was noticing a lot of half-assed things being done that we had to correct,” said Halgison.
“But now they’re really doing it right the first time. That’s huge for us.”
He added that building a house from scratch and for a good cause was a sure way of giving students who were interested in carpentry the experience to pursue a career in the field and also be proud of their accomplishment.
For Habitat for Humanity, the help of the students means not on is the work done faster, but more houses in general can be completed.
Prince Albert Habitat president Morris Sawchuk said he hopes the relationship between the school and the organization will continue because while building homes for the needy is a noble cause, it’s unreasonable to expect an unending supply of volunteers.
“In a town with a population and size such as we are, there’s a limit to what you can get volunteers to do,” said Sawchuk. “This agreement with Carlton High School allows us to provide another home to a family who needs affordable housing.”
The experience is definitely a positive one said Brandon Parasuik, a student in the project.
“It feels good because it feels like we’re rewarding someone and we’re doing something for somebody and doing something for the community,” he said.
The home is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
adesouza@rawlco.com
