Habitat for Humanity of East King County

GreenDrinks Event at Habitat Store 2/16

2012-02-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Eastside GreenDrinks will be hosted at Habitat Store this month. Mandy, a Habitat volunteer and former AmeriCorps member, will be giving a short presentation on how Habitat for Humanity of East King County encompasses sustainable building into construction of Habitat Homes.

When: Thursday, February 16th 5:00PM-7:00PM

Who: Open to Everyone!

Why: Eastside GreenDrinks is an ongoing monthly networking events where people interested in sustainability meet to make contacts and share ideas in a friendly supportive environment.

**Be Sustainable & BRING YOUR OWN MUG for the drinks!

For more information about GreenDrinks click here: http://www.eastsidegreendrinks.com/

For information about the Habitat store click here:

http://habitatekc.org/store/index.html

Construction Update- January

2012-01-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton

January 28th, 2012 -

We had 33 volunteers today, if you count the NCCC. The NCCC team is settling in and giving our winter production a boost as we hoped. They should be able to lead crews soon and get even more done!

LF5-

More siding went up and we are making good progress. The deck railing materials were delivered, but we want to finish the siding above them with scaffolding, so they won't be built for awhile.

Still no progress on the electrical rough in.

The duct soffits in the garages are nearly finished. We have a couple of hood vent ducts to soffit in the kitchen and we will be done with that task.

LF7-

"a" was worked on Wednesday and we got a couple of interior walls built and the exterior walls sheeted.

"b" had the tie plates finished and the bracing started.

The major wall SNAFU was corrected and now the interior walls were built today and "c" is ready for tie plates.

"d" & "e" are braced and laid out for the floor joists and beams. The floor load will be delivered early next week.

Work next week will include; Floor framing, stairs and landings, exterior wall sheeting, siding, punch list, and maybe painting?

January 14th, 2012-

Between MLK holiday, snow, freezing rain, and power outages we were only open 1 day, today. We didn't have any inspections or materials delivered. The snow completely wrecked our volunteer tent, collapsing it, bending and breaking the legs, plus tearing the top.

No other damage occurred and we scraped the snow off the road with the Kubota before our volunteers arrived. The CVLs and NCCC shoveled the floors in LF7 so work could go ahead.

LF5-

We worked on a little siding, but the dripping snow melt made it very uncomfortable, so we switched to framing punch list in 3 different units.

LF7-

In "c" we took down a wall put up on last Saturday because none of the wall sheeting seams were on studs, the window was framed wrong, and the sill gasket hadn't been installed. The sheeting was remove, the window fixed, the re-sheeting was started, and the gasket installed.. We also put up the last party wall section for the second floor.

In "b,d, and e" we worked on tie plates for the walls we built last week.

Work next week will include; interior wall framing, exterior wall framing and sheeting, framing punch list, siding, and paining (weather permitting).

Volunteers from UW join our visiting NCCC team and Habitat EKC AmeriCorps to raise some walls in La Fortuna

January 7th, 2012-

The NCCC team will arrive next week and give us a production boost during a traditionally low volunteer time. At the all- staff build day work will be siding, framing, punch list, and maybe weather allowing some painting. Dress warm!

LF5-

No electricians. Will try to pass mechanical and gas pipe inspections next week. Fire sprinkler inspection scheduled for Tuesday. Heather is working with Geek Squad to do the low voltage installation on 31 Jan.

Siding continues and is nearly finished on the north end. We are starting to take down the scaffolding in back to bring around to the front to work on the siding over the decks and roofs.

Waterline and duct soffiting continues in the garages. Other punch list work to continue next week.

LF7-

Faithful volunteer Dave Sanford with our HP group!

We built and raised several more walls this week. Started and finished interior walls in E today. Plates and layout for interior walls ready in B. Partywall in C framed, sheeted and fire rock started.

We also cleaned up around the front of the building and in the garages.

Site-

The streets were scraped and swept, plus started cleaning drain socks. Plastic was straightened out and some straw spread.

Work next week will include; framing walls, siding, punch list, and maybe painting.

Issaquah Highlands:

January 28th, 2012-

Things are starting to move along in Issaquah. We were closed for a week due to the snow and the early part of this week was used for some site clean up, metal recycling and working in Renton. On Friday we finally had the gas service installed! So exciting I attached a picture. On Saturday we started to reinstall some scaffolding and worked on restoring the hillside between buildings 4 and 5. We are scheduled on Monday for our HVAC contractor to get the furnaces running. Tape and mud should begin on the sheet rock on Tuesday.

Next week we will continue with scaffold work, possibly roof siding, exterior paint prep and start picking up materials for tile work.

January 14th, 2012-

The building has sheet rock! Insulation was completed on Tuesday and a contractor completed hanging the sheet rock by Friday evening. On Saturday volunteers removed and swept out the sheet rock debris and worked on sealing the electrical boxes to the wall board. We are still waiting to have the gas service installed. Hopefully this will happen next week and we can get the building heated. Sheet rock finish will begin once the heat is on.

January 7th, 2012-

There were some big changes this week for building 5. Permanent electric service was installed on both units. We now have working exterior outlets, several temporary outlets throughout the building and the lights in the garages were installed and functioning. Unfortunately this also means that our temporary power had to be disconnected so we no longer have power to the job trailer. We are operating the computer off of an extension cord. The refrigerator and a microwave were put in one of the garages.

On Thursday we conducted a preliminary blower door test to check the air leakage of the building. We were satisfied with results to move forward with insulation and sheet rock. We sealed up some additional problem areas that were revealed during the test and the majority of the insulation was completed on Saturday.

Exterior painting was able to continue on Wednesday with a good amount getting covered.

Next week we will be finishing the insulation and having the remainder of the sheet rock installed. Garage doors are also scheduled for Wednesday and hopefully the gas service will be installed and we will be able to get the heat turned on inside the building.

Help Us Receive 100 Hours of Carpentry Labor!

2012-01-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

McAdams Remodeling and Design Hosts Open House

Kirkland, WA – McAdams Remodeling and Design, formerly known as McAdams Builders, is hosting an open house on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in their Kirkland-based office. They welcome current and prospective clients as well as the local community to join them for the unveiling of their new logo and colors, as well as other exciting changes.

“Remodeling our clients’ homes has been our focus since 2004,” reveals Len McAdams, President and Founder of McAdams Remodeling and Design. “We believe our new company name better describes our business and specialty, and we are all excited to share these changes with the community.”

For every family in attendance, the company has pledged to volunteer one-hour of carpentry labor to Habitat for Humanity of East King County. This chapter of Habitat for Humanity has built over 111 homes in the Eastside area and Len and his team look forward to helping them increase that number.

“Habitat for Humanity of East King County is delighted to partner with McAdams Renovation and Design. Their donation of skilled carpentry will help us complete our last unit in the Issaquah Highlands, said Tom Granger, Executive Director of Habitat EKC. Whenever we are fortunate enough to receive in-kind donations of skilled labor of this sort, we are thrilled. Not only does it help us build more efficiently and quickly but our staff, volunteers and the new homeowner families enjoy the opportunity to work together and literally build community.”

Founded in 1974, McAdams Remodeling and Design provides remodeling, design, and home improvement services throughout the Greater Eastside. The event will take place at their "home" office of nearly 30 years, at 13003 NE 85th Street, Kirkland, WA. 98033.

Contact:

Lynn Goodwin

lynn@mcadamsbuilders.com

13003 NE 85^th Street

Kirkland, WA 98033

(425) 822-6555

Construction Update- December

2011-12-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton

December 17th, 2011

This morning we had 3 Americorps CVLs call in sick and 1 more on vacation. Kristina and I both took work crews and Marla just happened to be coming out and led another crew, plus 2 family members worked on a project they had started last week without further supervision. Jahna also helped when she wasn't doing volunteer hospitality things. 22 of the 15 vols scheduled showed up making it rather exciting.

LF5-

Siding continues with Hardi- panel on the 3rd floor and over the low roofs in the back. We are nearing the time when we will need to tear down the scaffolding in the rear and move it out front to work there.

Electrical is still waiting for journeymen to come out. Jahna has a contact who might be available to help out.

LF7-

All of the stairs are in. Unit "e" has all of the exterior walls are up and the partywalls are framed, sheeted, and fire rocked. Unit "b" has 1 partywall ready to stand and all of the front and back walls up.

Work next week will include; framing, siding, and maybe painting?

December 10th, 2011

What a week! We were inundated with tools after the news stories on the radio and KOMO- TV. The response was amazing.

LF5-

Siding continues with panel on the third floor in the back and some plank on the north end and front. The belly band at the third floor has been completed, encircling the entire building. With this belly band finished we can now complete the last of the window trim on the third floor.

We failed gas piping inspection in 2 units and still haven't had a fire sprinkler inspection.

The journeymen electricians didn't make it in this week, so the electrical rough- in has not progressed.

LF7-

We had another Microsoft house day and got the partywall closed up, Strong- Walls installed. Asa and Josh came out on Saturday and framed a couple of walls on the ADA.

We finished floor framing on "b", guardrails, sheeted the floor, started walls and put in the stairs. "E" has three walls up and another long wall started. "D" has one partywall framed, sheeted, fire rocked and 1/2 stood. "C" has some plates cut and ready to start framing.

Work next week will include; wall framing, siding/trim, electrical rough- in (depending on journeyman availability), framing punchlist, and draft blocking.

December 3rd, 2011

LF5-

Siding continues with siding across the front at ground level and on the north end on the second floor. Trim has started on the third floor on the front.

HVAC is complete and passed the duct blaster test and is scheduled for inspection.

Wiring is 99% in unit 6 and started in unit 5. We currently have 2 journeymen committed to Wednesdays and 1 apprentice who is working at IH when we don't have supervision. We are going to reach out to the Geek Squad team that came out last summer to work on the low voltage.

LF7-

Framing continues with 3 units sub- floor completed and another has the floor joists and beams in and blocking started.

Kip put in the temporary steps at the front doors of all 4 units. LF7e has a complete set of stairs to the 2nd floor, "d" has the stringers cut and rready to install, "c" has the landing completed and ready for stairs to begin, and "b" has the landing started.

The ADA unit was started by a Microsoft group on Wednesday and the partywall is framed and sheeting started. There is another group coming next week to continue framing.

Work next week will include; wall framing, floor sheeting, siding and trim, electrical rough- in, and framing punchlist.

Issaquah Highlands

December 17th, 2011

This week we had a series of inspections. The electrical, communications wiring and framing all passed. Insulation started in the garages with the ceilings and party wall. OSB was also installed on the party wall. We continued sealing the building with foam and caulking as we look for ways to improve our air leakage. Sheet rock was stocked in the building. Next week the ceilings will be installed and more foaming will be done in the attic. After the holidays we will be testing the building for air leakage and then proceeding with insulation and sheet rock.

On the exterior we shifted and removed some scaffolding. Decent weather allowed us to have several paint crews on Saturday. The south side of the building is now finished.

Next week Marc will begin trenching for utilities on the south end, removing additional scaffolding and continue with the foaming.

December 10th, 2011

The mechanicals for building 5 are complete. HVAC passed inspection and the Energy Star duct testing. The electrical and communication wire was finished on Friday and will be inspected early next week.

Siding for the building is complete except for an area over the main roof. A lot of effort went into caulking and foaming areas inside the units to help seal the building against air leakage. We also worked on punchlist items to get the building ready for framing inspection next week.

Next week we will continue with air sealing, insulating and closing up the party wall and hopefully be able to start insulation in the garages and some other areas of the building.

December 3rd, 2011

Good progress over the last week and a half in Issaquah.

On the exterior we've been continuing with siding, exterior paint prep and even a small amount of exterior paint. There are only two areas left to be sided, a portion of the front gable and a small field over the main roof. The soffits in the back were installed and the porch ceiling on 5A was insulated and installed.

On the inside we the plumbing system passed inspection, as did the gas piping. The HVAC contractor decided to change the design of the main duct system. They were nearly complete and have been removing and replacing duct work. Hopefully they will finish by the middle of next week and we will be able to have the system inspected and tested. Electrical rough-in started just before Thanksgiving and continued all of this week. 5B is about 90% complete and 5A is at 75% completion. We also started installing boxes, drilling and running conduit for the phone, cable and internet wiring. On Saturday, volunteers started sweeping out the units and caulking sill plates to better seal up the homes.

Next week we will continue with siding, wiring and exterior paint.

Bringing Hope to Haiti

2011-12-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Our Executive Director, Tom Granger, led a group of courageous and kind hearted volunteers to Haiti for the Jimmy Carter Work project on Nov. 5-12, 2011.

At the end of the 28th Carter Work Project, 100 safe, decent new homes now stand in the Santo community in Léogâne, the epicenter of the January 2010 earthquake.

Habitat for Humanity has become a significant force in Haiti and plans to build 500 homes by the end of 2012. “Habitat for Humanity has made a five-year commitment to serve 50,000 Haitian families, and the Carter Work Project will help us to build homes and raise awareness to meet that goal,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.

These new houses provided more than just a safer place for families to lay their head at night, they provide hope for a brighter future.

Read about Carol and Ray Dellecker's personal experience volunteering at this year's Jimmy and Rosalyn Work Project in Haiti.

Click here to read their story.

It’s a Wonderful Life at Habitat for Humanity as the Community Rallies Together to Replace Stolen Tools

2011-12-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Renton, WA. December 12, 2011– Habitat for Humanity of East King County has received an overwhelming amount of support from the community after news spread that thieves stole nearly $4,000 worth of tools from their La Fortuna, Renton construction site.

“It’s like the final scene from It’s a Wonderful Life,” said Tom Granger, Executive Director of Habitat EKC. “Thanks to the community’s generosity we will be able to replace all the tools that were stolen and we will put in a security system to make sure this doesn't happen again,"

Longtime supporters, new contributors and even corporate sponsors responded to the unfortunate incident by donating over $15,000 worth of cash and $4,000 worth of tools to help Habitat get back to building. Bank of America sent in a check for $4,000 and The Mosaic Company hand delivered a $4,000 check upon learning the news.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is one of the largest corporate donors on the La Fortuna Project, and their employees have volunteered more than 1,200 hours onsite this year.

“We are deeply committed to La Fortuna and Habitat’s work in our community, and when we learned of the theft, we knew we had to respond quickly to ensure that the expectant home owners weren’t faced with uncertainly and that everyone could resume construction as quickly as possible.” said Bob Peters, Washington State president for Bank of America.

Other corporate donors include Complete Concrete, PCL Construction, Genie Industries and Schnitzer Steel.

“We are incredibly blessed by a very generous community who support the Habitat for Humanity mission and are eager and willing to help us when we need them,” said Granger.

Below is the link to KOMO's news story:

http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/135216453.html?tab=video

KOMO's follow-up story can be viewed at:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/In-wake-of-theft-help-pouring-in-to-Habitat-for-Humanity--135291913.html

Thieves Steal from our La Fortuna, Renton Site

2011-12-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Thieves Steal Tools from Habitat for Humanity Construction Site

Renton, WA. December 7, 2011– Habitat for Humanity of East King County reported another burglary at their La Fortuna construction site located in the Cascade neighborhood of Renton last week.

“Thieves came prepared this time,” said Mike Hammerquist, Renton Site Supervisor for Habitat EKC. They entered the property by cutting the padlock on the gate and then drilled through the lock on the storage container.

Missing were three circular saws, four coil siding nail guns, two framing nail guns, a drill, a reciprocating saw, a jig saw, an angle grinder, several heavy-duty power cords, and spools of copper wire, all of which is valued at nearly $4,000.

“It has taken several years to build up our tool supply,” said Kristina Struve, Assistant Site Supervisor for Habitat EKC. “This is a big hit to productivity since we are currently installing siding on one of our buildings and now have to nail it up by hand. We also now have a shortage of power cords, which makes it difficult to run the site efficiently.”

It may not seem like a lot, but to Habitat staff, volunteers and homeowners, having these tools available on a regular basis make it possible for Habitat to continue with their building schedule. Executive Director Tom Granger commented, “We really don’t expect to be the target of theft based on the work we are doing in the community. Since this is the second incident this year, it looks like we will need a security system in addition to replacing the tools. That could be another $4,000 or more. It is a shame to have to divert those funds from the building program.”

Habitat staff is scrambling to replace the needed tools to keep construction moving along on the two multi-family buildings under construction at this site in Renton, called La Fortuna. One Habitat for Humanity homeowner responded by bringing in a few tools she had and donating them so volunteers could continue working.

Almost 100 community volunteers, AmeriCorps members and families earning sweat equity work on this jobsite every week.

Habitat EKC has inventoried their tools and filed an incident report with the Renton Police Department. They are hoping whoever took the tools will return them so they can continue to use their funds to build affordable homes .

More About Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat for Humanity surpassed its 500,000 house milestone during its most recent fiscal year. Since the nonprofit was founded in 1976, its self-help, hand-up model has resulted in rehabbed, repaired or new housing for more than 2 million people worldwide. Habitat EKC is part of this global effort.

Since 1988, Habitat EKC has built 111 new homes and rehabbed or repaired other houses for low income families in our community. The East King County service area incorporates the regions east of Lake Washington. The goal of this affiliate is to make it possible for low-income residents of King County to be able to purchase simple, decent, and affordable homes on the Eastside. The families who will move into these homes will put in 500 hours of their own labor as a down payment towards homeownership. Visit habitatekc.org to learn more.

Media Contact: Gena Guillen, Special Events and Communications Officer

email: gena@habitatekc.org or call 425.869.6007

Construction Update- November

2011-11-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton:

LF5-

The entire building is officially "dried in" (all windows, doors and housewrap on) and we passed the final moisture envelope inspection. Dave Buck commented the work was very good quality and the system we use is better than most normal construction he sees. All garages are pre- rocked for garage door installation which is scheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Siding is complete to the top floor across the entire back and belly bands, window trim, and corners are complete on both ends and the back. Hardi panel started on the third floor and siding and trim started on all sides of the building.

Fire sprinkler contractor should finish up this week and be ready for inspection before the Thanksgiving break.

John helped set exhaust fans in three units for the HVAC sub to connect the ducts. HVAC contractor is in the last unit and should finish up on Monday. Inspections will start on Tuesday. We have begun soffiting and boxing heat ducts in 2 units.

Electrical volunteers are scheduled for Tuesday to start rough in.

LF7-

With the help of Bank of America, we got the party walls up and sheeted, and we set the back corner for the entry way walls.

The experienced crews from GLY and PCL helped finish the floor framing in 7e, start and finish the floor joist and beams in 7d, and start the floor joist in 7c. They also helped finish wall framing in all but 7a and sheeting to 95% and fire rock 90%

Floor joists have been completed in 3 units and layout is finished and ready for beams and joists in a 4th.

Guardrails were started in LF7e and will be completed before sub- floor is started.

Stair landings are in 3 units and the lower set of stairs in LF7d has been cut and is ready to install.

Interior sheerwalls are complete in 3 units and started in a 4th.

Work for this week:

Siding and trim, caulking, painting (weather dependent), floor joists, stairs and landings, guardrails, and maybe sub- floor.

Issaquah Highlands:

Progress continues to be steady with the siding installation. We are now complete in the back, south gable end and the north gable only has a few pieces left. Completed areas under the porch and several gables in the front are now started and one is finished. We were able to start the final coat of exterior paint on the south gable and the back of the building.

On the inside, the plumbing is complete and was tested. There is one minor correction that will be made on Tuesday. Insulation and sheet rock was installed in the garages in preparation for the HVAC installation, which is about 95% complete and should be finished early next week.

Work for this week:

We will continue siding and start building soffits around the plumbing and duct work on the inside of the building.

Another AmeriCorps group, City Year, came out to both of our sites last Friday! They were a fun, enthusiastic group and worked hard in the cold. Here they are pictured in front of the Issaquah Highlands site!

Construction Update- October

2011-11-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

October Updates:

La Fortuna, Renton

The Build-a-thon went off without a hitch—thanks to the volunteers, we got a lot done! Work for Build-a-thon included: framing, painting, housewrap, and windows.

The new homeowners had a construction orientation, there were 11 family members at the orientation and it was good to meet them. Some began their hours that same afternoon, the rest the following week. The AmeriCorps were in Yakima for SERVES, but work continued steadily with our faithful volunteers.

LF5-

Housewrap is completed, windows are in.

Siding and trim are continuing on the back and south end. Pre- painting continued.

NorTech has laid out and drilled the entire building and had pipe and fittings delivered. The will start fitting pipe on Monday and might be done next week. The fire room roof was completed and pre- rock installed.

Passed plumbing inspection in all 6 units on Tuesday. Fire room is complete and ready for roofing.

Fire sprinkler installation at about 75%.

We had All Weather deck and Rail come out this week and train me and Kristina in the proper installation of their waterproof deck membrane. All of the waterproof decks have been glued and trimmed with All Weather Deck and Rail scheduled to come weld the corners on Monday.

The mechanical permit was pulled and we are ready for Bob's to come back and continue the HVAC rough in. HVAC is scheduled to start on Tuesday and we expect them to take several days per unit to complete their work. The holes they cut in the roof 2 weeks ago causes continual flooding on rainy days.

Electrical should be ready to start the 2nd week of November in a couple of units.

LF7-

Multiple corners are set for string height and ready to measure then build.

More walls were framed and sheeting was started. We will begin getting party wall inspections next week. 2nd floor materials were delivered and floor framing will start next week.

Framing continued with wall sheeting, fire rock and floor beams.

We passed the inspection and closed up the partywall between units D and E. The other 2 partywalls were inspected and passed for sheer nailing and fire rock begun. The back wall of C and D were framed and are ready for sheeting.

Unit e had the walls straightened and braced and is ready for floor joists.

Unit d had all of its wall sheeting installed.

Unit c had its back wall framed, plumbed and braced for wall sheeting to begin.

Site work and Wetlands-

The site has been straightened out and a load of wood recycle was hauled, a dump load was sent, weeds pulled, grass mowed, and straw spread.

We had an inspection of our wetlands and there was multiple plantings that didn't take root and they will recommend different plants to replace the dead ones. They said we were doing well and are way better than the common failure rate. We have a few new weeds to work on, including reed canary grass and morning glory vine, plus the usual blackberry bushes.

We pulled a lot of reed canary grass and cut down a lot of blackberry vines. We also weeded the mulch rings and cleaned the catch basin filters.

Issaquah Highlands

We continued to run smaller crews in Issaquah while Build-a-thon was happening in Renton. We were able to complete the majority of the truss bracing and sheet rock backing on the top floors.

The HVAC contractor marked out a plan, but installation will be a few weeks away.

The roofing installation was started and is about 85% complete.

We continued installing windows and getting the house wrap to the roof line. Siding installation is coming along nicely. Hardie plank siding is mostly complete on the garage and main floor level on the north, south and west sides of the building. White wood continued to be added around windows and the upper belly band has started on the back of the building. We also did quite a bit of nail setting and spackle and started caulking the hardie plank. One front door is now installed. The other door is on back order. The eaves on the back and south side were primed.

On the inside of the building plumbing rough-in has started. The waste and vent is complete on 5B and water lines are about 75%.

Most of the ABS is complete in the B unit and drilling has started on the A unit. The areas behind the bath tubs were insulated and pre-rocked.

Our volunteers from Pacific Medical Centers posed with our tractor at lunchtime in Issaquah Highlands!

A Brush With Kindness:
In October, Mike, Kristen, Jordan and Liz worked at one of our A Brush With Kindness houses in Sammamish. They trenched and installed two downspout drain lines. We will be returning to the project over the next couple of weeks to complete some facia repair and gutter installation.

Cut-a-Thon Fundraiser with Sola Salon Studio's

2011-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

In need of a new hairdo? and want to give back to your community?

If so, be sure to join us on November 20th at Sola Salon Studio's for their Cut-a-Thon fundraiser to benefit Habitat EKC!

When: Sunday, November 20th, from 1 - 4 pm
Where: Sola Salon, 909 112th Ave NE, Ste. 105, Bellevue, WA 98004
What: Eight stylists will donate their time to provide haircuts to children, men and women with a suggested donation of $15 for children, $20 for men and $25 for women. Additional donations will be accepted.

Why: All proceeds will go toward Habitat's affordable home building program, serving hard working, low-income families in our community.
How: Call the Hair Cut hotline at (425) 641-5713 or email solastylistbellevue@hotmail.com to book an appointment.

More information:
The stylists donating their time are Elena Basmova, Joanie Lindquist, Ryanne Gokey, Lisa Clarno, Tricia Yaap, Tatiana Diamond, Bonnie Marcoe and Angela Schoonover. Unite hair care is providing all their backbar.

Not only will participants get a fabulous new hair cut, but they will also receive gifts generously donated from pure barre and Unite hair care.

Special thanks to Angela Schoonover for organizaing this fun event

Christmas Tree Silent Auction and Raffle at our Habitat Store

2011-11-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Need a Christmas Tree?

Habitat for Humanity’s new store in Bellevue WA, will be raffling off custom Christmas trees designed and donated by the community and Store volunteers. We will have a few trees for silent auction and a few others for the raffle.

The fundraiser will culminate with a “winner announcement” event on Sunday, December 4^th at 1:00pm. The Silent auction will close at 2:30pm and raffle winners will also be drawn and announced at 2:30pm. You do not have to be present to win. The event will feature delectable sweets, hot cider and cocoa.

Raffle tickets are $1 and can be purchased at the Habitat Store on 13500 Bel Red Rd in Bellevue. Come and view the trees anytime between November 16^th and December 4^th!

Please call our Store at (425) 641-2643 with any questions.

Let's Build a House Party Huge Success

2011-11-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

The fourth annual Let's Build a House party was a truly inspiring night where nearly 50 guests gathered to converse, eat, drink and collectively raise money to fund an entire Habitat home!

Hosted by David and Jenny Kays' on September 14th, the party proved to be a huge success and exceeded the fundraising goal of 120,000, helping to complete a second house as well. This included contributions from Microsoft Real Estate and Facilities, the matching gift pool provided by the host couples and the House Party guests.

Habitat for Humanity is extremely grateful to our four generous host couples: David and Jenny Kays, John and Arleen Balciunas, Dave Thompson and Judy Jesiolowski, Rob Short and Emer Dooley and Tom and Terri Miller for their significant gifts that made up the matching gift pool.

Thanks to their efforts along with guest contributions, Mirna Aguilar, a single mother to three beautiful children will have an affordable home. Her family currently lives in a residence with inadequate insulation, flood problems and safety issues.

Mirna's ultimate dream is to have all of her kids attend college. She believes providing her family with a stable and safe home is an important step toward reaching that goal.

It's amazing what a group of passionate individuals can accomplish when

they come together.

Let's Build a House party guests also signed up to build at our Issaquah site on October 29th and November 16th.

The picture on the left is from their October 29th build in Issaquah.

Thank you to all who contributed to
Let's Build a House!

You've made the dream of home ownership come true for one deserving family.

Upcoming Family Information Meeting

2011-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Learn how Habitat for Humanity makes homeownership possible for deserving

low income families.

Attend a Family Information Meeting

December 1, 6:00 - 7:00pm at Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd SE., Snoqualmie
December 3, 12:00 - 1:00pm at Renton Highlands Library, 2902 NE 12th St., Renton
December 5, 7:00 - 8:00 pm at Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue South, Renton
December 6, 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Habitat Office, 16315 NE 87th St., Suite B-5, Redmond

In your current living situation...

Do you and your family live in overcrowded, expensive or substandard housing?
Can yo uafford $800-950 per month for housing (mortgage, HOA dues and taxes)?
Have you lived or worked in King County for at least one year?
Are you willing to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity" on your home or the home of a neighbor?
Are you looking for a "hand-up," not a hand-out?

Questions? Call Stephanie at 425-869-6007 or visit www.habitatekc.org

*One unit will be ADA accessible. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Guatemala Global Village Trip: Journal Entries

2011-11-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday, October 9

Bienvenidos! or in the Kaqchiquel dialect, "UTz XIX PICHIK" (We're happy that you came and that you are well).
The Global Village trip to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala has begun. Thirteen intrepid Habi-trekkers have set out on an adventure to explore, build and impact the lives of deserving Guatemalan families for the better.- Tom Granger

Monday, October 10

First day of building! Made rebar, holes in U-blocks, mixed cement for footings, chipped a rock that was too high and hauled dirt in bags for the floor. Made good progress for the day under the guidance of Martin, the mason-the "Maestro" or the "Jeffe" - Boss.- Dave Thompson

Tuesday, October 11

Today was considerably easier than yesterday. Hauled a lot of blocks around, but with block lines it was not as difficult. Ellie had to talk Martin into letting us lay blocks, but so far seems pleased with the work.- Sean ("newbie" - one of four)

Wednesday, October 12

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Tropical storm E12 has invaded Guatemala. Not sure what the build site looks like as the heavy rain and wind makes the drive too treacherous. The wind smashed a couple of doors and woke a few people up, but the major effect is people standing around looking for something to do.

I anticipate our build site will be fine if and when we get back to it, but radar says the rain will be around at least another day. The poverty is everywhere and our effect is a small step in a long journey. Habitat is having a huge effect in Guatemala, but the need is even greater. We can only take the next step and hope others will too.- John B.

Thursday, October 13

Rain is the theme, but we somehow seem to keep making progress on our site. The Guatemalans' hard work, calm presence and desire to improve their lives and that of their children has been inspiring.
All and all it has been a wonderful (even if wet) experience. - Jim W.

Friday, October 14

The morning was our usual 7am gathering on the large patio for our breakfast. The house is really taking shape- looks like a house. There are seven courses of blocks, eight in some places and the windows are beginning to take shape.

Judy and I took a walk with the children and meandered around a "neighborhood" of very basic swellings. I estimate that we saw about 50 young kids in the area. The homes all had outdoor showers sponsored by U.S. A.I.D (US Aid for International Development).

The dedication was lovely. Tom and Peter represented the teams beautifully in what they said to the families. The masons also spoke and I guess it was a culmination of the week's experience, but when Senor Martin spoke I was in tears.

The passion for service in this group of people is inspiring. I think it is safe to say that we really made a difference this week.
Thanks, Dave, Judy, Tom M., Tom E., Peter, Jim, Sean, Keith, Ray, John, Jack and of course my Tom for making this week such a memorable experience.- Nancy G.

Sunday, October 16

Already feeling like I've stepped back through the looking glass. Did it really happen? What stood out for me?

#1- Clive. Clive Rainey is an amazing guy to meet. Not only is his history with Habitat unmatched, but he is a wealth of informationand stories and he lives out his Christan faith better than anyone else I know.
#2- Esvin. "Pedrooo!" "Esvinnn!" At first I thought homewoner Esvin was gently poking fun at me and maybe he was, but as the week went on I think a real mutual affection developed and when he said to me "siempre mi amigo, Pedro" at the closing ceremony I was deeply touched.
#3- The Team. I was a newcomer to a team that already knew each other and worked well together. Yet they made me feel welcome from the start.
#4- Ellie and Jamil. What a great duo! When Clive left us, Jamil stepped in. He's got personality, charm, a smile that makes all the chicas want to flirt with him and he's also a smart, caring individual who has chosen this life of service when his talents would bring him sucess in more individually rewarding pursuits. Ellie has a good heart and I hope she decides to stay in this kind of work.
#5- Rain, rain and more rain.
#6- The work.
#7- Guatemala and its people. A land of contrasts. In Guatemala City one can see wealth and new development on the same block with decay and squalor. Why do we in the U.S. have an embarassment of riches while Guatemala struggles? It's not because we are superior people for I have met Guatemalans and they are as kind, hard-working, as loving of their families, as talented as we are. Habitat is in the right place. A secure, stable roof over one's head makes a big difference.
I am thankful for such a great experience.- Pete S.

Construction Update- September

2011-10-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton

September 17, 2011-

Al had a group of plumbers and apprentices out today and wrapped up # 3& 4 and started #5. I got a picture of them loading the tools into the union's community outreach van at the end of the day. They made great progress and seemed to have a good time doing it. They are now able to track their hours volunteering towards their license.

LF5- We got the fire sprinkler control room formed and poured with LF7's slabs. We had 2 training days on housewrap and windows for the Americorps.

#1 & 5 plumbing layed out and drilled. Housewrap and windows started.

#2,3,4, & 6 plumbing ready to be tested and inspected. Housewrap and windows started.

LF7- All slabs poured in 2 days by HTI Polymer. Lumber onsite. Hardware for mudsills onsite and the balance ordered for Tuesday delivery.

Work next week will include; housewrap, windows, mudsills, and stick framing garage walls and fire rooms.

September 10, 2011- We were able to maintain progress with sub- contractors and the Americorps that Issaquah could spare during TWB.

LF5-

Al has finished the waste and vent in one unit and started drilling a second. GMI has drilled 4 units and is set to start waste and vent on Tuesday. Plumbing could be ready for inspection early next week on all units.

Housewrap was started on 1 Sept with the Americorps welcome All- Staff build and will continue for another week, or so. The multi- family nature of the Renton buildings will require the completing of the weatherproofing design and an inspection before we can begin siding. Window prep and installation will begin next week. Exterior paint is on hand and siding pre- paint will begin on the next volunteer day scheduled.

LF7-

Backfill and final grading are complete. Underslab insulation is complete. We will need to re- chalk some slab grade lines and roll out the plastic moisture barrier on Tuesday to be ready for the pour day scheduled with HTI Polymer on Wednesday.

Lumber is scheduled to arrive on Thursday and hardware will be scheduled for next week. Strongwalls and mud sill could potentially start late next week.

Work next week will include; housewrap, windows, mud sills, Strong-walls, and wetland mitigation.

Issaquah Highlands
September 17, 2011- Great progress this week thanks to all of the handy TWB volunteers. Wall sheathing passed inspection on Tuesday and Wednesday we had a housewrap, windows and siding training with the AmeriCorps. During TWB we were able to install housewrap up to the top of the building and flash all window openings. Windows were installed and trimmed out on the main floor. Belly bands are up on the 1st and 2nd floors, starting at the back and moving around toward the front. Hardie plank siding is complete over the garage door openings and started moving around on the north and south sides, as well as the main floor on the back of 5A. Pre- painting continued on Saturday, a bit more than half of the siding now has one coat.

Dave Sanford lead a small crew of volunteers on our ABWK project in Sammamish. Volunteers loaded a dumpster with roofing debris after a professional crew completed the removal of the old roof and installation of the new one on Friday and Saturday.

Trusses are scheduled for delivery on Tuesday. They will be installed by a contractor during the week. Siding will continue based on the progess of the contractor working above.

Where Are They Now?

2011-09-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

Homeowner Update: The Fowler Family

When Scott and Linda Fowler were accepted in HfHEKC's homeownership program in December 2007, they lived in a condemned rental with minimal insulation, drafty windows and faulty wiring that caused four fire scares. Scott and Linda's two children, Ashley and Joel, were 7 and 3 at the time.

The Fowler family realized their dream of homeownership In July of 2009 when they moved into their new townhouse in our Patterson Park development in Redmond. Since then, their family has felt a great amount of relief knowing they now have a place they can call home that is safe, affordable and long term.

Ashley is now 11 years old, enjoys reading, singing and computers. Joel, now 7 years old, loves cars, LEGOs and Transformers. Both children started the new school year with big smiles and enthusiasm. Scott and Linda continue to be active within their church community and their neighborhood.

To see photos from our most recent Home Dedications, click here. Four homes were dedicated in the Magnolia, Issaquah Highlands development on August 27, 2011.

Together We Build Pays Tribute to 9/11

2011-09-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

An Interfaith Coalition, Formed Shortly After the September 11^th Attacks, Celebrate their 10^th year Anniversary of Working Together

Together We Build, a group of Christian, Jews and Muslims work together to build homes for low-income families on the Eastside.

Habitat for Humanity of East King County will host the 10^th Annual Together We Build (TWB) project on September 8-10 and September 15-17, 2011 at their Issaquah Highlands development. This is Thursday through Saturday in the two consecutive weeks surrounding the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which were the initial motivations behind forming TWB.

TWB is an Interfaith Coalition of Christians, Jews, and Muslims seeking to find common ground and learn from one another as they work together to build houses for low-income families in East King County. They have held an annual event each year in pursuit of their mission to show the world that together, we can build a stronger community.

The group has raised $20,000 to $50,000 each year. A portion of the money is used to cover the costs of food preparation during the build and to pay for their web hosting service. The remainder is sent to Habitat for Humanity to fund their homebuilding projects. Over the last ten years, TWB has contributed a total of $438, 531 to Habitat for Humanity’s affordable home building program, providing the funding equivalent of four houses!

Habitat for Humanity of East King County’s Executive Director, Tom Granger is impressed with TWB’s impact on the community. “This group was formed to help create an understanding between people of different faiths,” he said. “The fact that it has not only survived, but thrived for ten years now is amazing. The leadership with Together We Build should really be commended,” he added.

“The Interfaith Service is especially meaningful,” said Dave Sanford, a longtime TWB participant and parishioner at Aldersgate United Methodist church in Bellevue. He said it is planned by the various clergy and includes participation from each of the major faith traditions and by the youth in those traditions. “It is quite an experience to see a Muslim Imam offering prayers in Arabic from the pulpit of a Jewish synagogue to a congregation of all faiths,” said Sanford.

“It is our belief that the example of people of many faiths working together sends a lesson for the community. That message honors the victims of 9/11, showing that they were harmed not in the name of religion, but in the perversion of religion.”

This year, the Interfaith Service will be hosted at the IMAN Center located at 515 State Street South in Kirkland on Saturday, September 10, 2011. The program will begin at 5:30 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by a Muslim evening prayer at 7:47 pm.

To learn more about Together We Build, visit www.togetherwebuild.org

Construction Update- August

2011-09-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton

Passed pre- housewrap inspection on Tuesday and finished up with the foam in the back, but didn't get to starting the housewrap yet.

Al started plumbing rough-in on Tuesday and has 1 unit laid out, drilled and started gluing waste & vent. Al's boss stopped by on Friday and was interested in getting apprentices out to help Al. Insulation and pre- rock was completed in 2 units by Rafael and Yesenia on Saturday and the tubs were hauled up over the decks for the 2 units Al is working on.

On Saturday we trenched, installed the sleeve, installed the pipe and then backfilled the water supply for the sprinkler room. Forms for the foundation will be set next week and will be poured when LF7's garage slabs are poured.

We finished the footing drains and insulation then sanded the rest of the sewer lines and the foundation is ready for partial backfill, then we will instal the electrical conduits. After the electrical underslab is inspected we can finish backfill and schedule slabs.

Work next week will include; housewrap, windows, pick up framing punchlist, electrical conduits, garage grading, sub- sill installation at heated living areas, and slab prep.

Issaquah Highlands

Buildings 3 & 4: Continued punchlist work. Carpet was installed on Monday and Tuesday. Next week we will give the units a good cleaning and complete final touch ups.

Building 5: Continued framing exterior walls. All exterior walls, minus the stairwell, on 5A are framed. 5B is about 60%.

Next week the framing will continue and we may start setting scaffold around the building for OSB fill in work and installing hold down straps.

Construction Update - July 2011

2011-08-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Issaquah Highlands – 3 Duplexes
Building 3: Built and laminated kitchen countertops, cut wood back splash, exterior paint prep on front porches, continued interior touch ups and hardware

Building 4: Cut wood back splash, continued grading in front, exterior paint prep on front porches, irrigation in front was installed, installed phone conduits

Dedications for these four homes set for Sat. August 27 at 3:00 PM.

Work continues on the last duplex:
Building 5: Framed landing on 5B, prep in front for setting post and beams, framing materials for next floor were delivered.

Next week we will continue with interior finish work, building block walls and taking care of exterior grading issues on 3 & 4. Framing will continue on building 5.

La Fortuna, Renton –multifamily buildings
Building #5 – six townhouses
We finished the fire rock and firing strips above the roofs and will be ready for the roof to be stocked on Tuesday. Framing punch list work continues and might wrap up next week.

Windows were delivered on Friday and secured in the back of a garage. Installation will begin after housewrap is completed.

Building #7- five townhouses
Complete Concrete worked on the footings and they passed their inspection on Thursday and poured on Friday. They will start the walls on Monday and hope to pour late in the week. The sewer and water sleeves were installed by volunteers before the pour.

Work next week will include; framing punch-list, exterior foam board, housewrap, windows, and wetlands mitigation.

Construction Update May 16, 2011

2011-05-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton
Habitat EKC and SKC welcome 45 additional AmeriCorps from all over the country for the AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon this week!

Unit #1

Needs guardrails and sub- floor can start.

Some sheetrock backers and party wall blocking still is needed.

Unit #2
Stairs in, guardrails up, floor sheeted, exterior plates cut and laid out. Ready to frame.

Unit #3 Joists in and rim joists 90% complete.

Unit #4 Guardrails up, floor sheeted, lines snapped, and stair landing in with the stair jacks cut.

Unit #5 Rim board, sheetrock backers, and blocking done. Ready for subfloor.

Unit # 6 Guardrails up, floor sheeted, stairs in, lines snapped, and exterior plates started.

Work this week:
Guardrails, stairs, floor sheeting, plus exterior, party, and interior walls.
Some site work: erosion control, street sweeping, and wetlands mitigation tasks.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah

Building 3:
Sheet rock finish complete.
Interior painting started in bathrooms and laundry room.

Exterior painting continued on the front.

Utility trenching continued.

Building 4:
Completed tile underlayment for both units.

Started setting tile in bathrooms and laundry.
Continued mill work caulking.

Continued exterior painting on the front.

Building 5:
Completed interior walls of main floor.

Installed tie plates.

Worked on fire blocking and cabinet blocking.

Worked on installing 2x2's on concrete walls.

Habitat for Humanity EKC to Host 2011 AmeriCorps Build!

2011-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

During the week of May 16 - 20, 2011, Habitat EKC, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County, will be hosting 62 Habitat AmeriCorps from across the nation for the 2011 AmeriCorps Build!

The event will take place during National AmeriCorps Week, through which the Corporation for National and Community Service highlights work done by members in communities across the country.

AmeriCorps team members will be working on new construction at East King County’s La Fortuna site in Renton and South King County’s Rainier Vista site in Seattle. In addition to new construction, affiliates will be doing work with our new program called the Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative. It is expected that this event will impact the lives of up to 80 families. We’re looking forward to sharing work and meals with fellow AmeriCorps members, getting to know the Renton homeowners and neighbors better, and making significant progress in home construction.

Though split into two worksites, all participants will be staying together at a Hostel in Seattle’s International District with plenty of free time to explore Seattle’s sights, enjoy the cuisine, and breathe in the mountain air. We hope it will be a time to have fun and share with one another about our lives as Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members.

We’re thankful for all of those involved in the planning stages, for their time and dedication, and are looking forward to enjoying a fun-filled, exciting week!

Construction Update May 9, 2011

2011-05-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton

Unit #1

Floor joists 100% complete.

Rim joists 40% complete, and ready for blocking.

Unit #2

Floor framing, guardrails, and sheeting 100% complete.

Unit #3

Floor joists 75% complete.

Unit #4

Floor joists 100% complete.

Rim joists 80% complete.

Unit #5

Floor joists 100% complete.

Rim joists started.

Unit #6

Floor and rim joists 100% complete.

Blocking 90% complete.

Work this week:

Rim joists and blocking

Sub- floor sheeting.

Prep for the Americorps Build.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Good week in Issaquah. The Women Build was very productive with about 46 volunteers along with AmeriCorps and staff who participated.

Building 3:
Sheet rock finish is nearly complete. Should be primed and textured by Wednesday
Garage doors were installed

Building 4:
Continued tile underlayment in the kitchens and entry, 75% complete
Tile layout started.
Started installing interior doors and mill work.
Doors- 75% complete, mill work 40% complete.
Started interior caulking and mill work paint prep.
Continued exterior painting on the front of the building.

Building 5:
Framed party walls- passed inspection.
Exterior walls- 80% complete
Started framing interior walls- 90% framed, 50% stood.
Removed guard rails and started filling in OSB.

Work this week:
Interior work on Building 4.
Begin rotating AmeriCorps to Renton for AC build prep.

Our First NRI Project

2011-04-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, we completed our first NRI project. The ARC, a local afterschool program based in the Word of Life Church about half a mile from our La Fortuna site, is only a year old, but is already having an amazing effect on the community.

This is a high-crime rate area. As one of the kids in the program put it, "there are a lot of bangers, like gang bangers."

Frank, the ARC director, wasn't surprised to hear this. "There are a lot of gang bangers and would-be gang bangers in the area," Frank explained. "These people try to convince the youth to join their fledgling gangs." This makes the ARC a community asset that helps keep kids out of trouble.

The ARC was with whom we did our first NRI project.

Several weeks ago, a few kids tore the shingles off the play structure outside the church and started a shingle fight. Frank had the shingles and nails, but didn't know how to re-shingle the damaged roofs. So, Mike Hammerquiest, Asa Peller, and myself visited the ARC one morning to help Frank re-shingle the play structure. It was a very minor job, about 2:30 hours of work, but after when we finished Frank told me what it meant to him.

"Thank you for the help Ted. The church was very upset when the shingles were torn off. If they were ever to kick us out these kids would have nowhere to go and would much more likely join these gangs. Thank you."

So, a few shingles can go a long way.

Carnation Informational Open House

2011-04-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

We would like to invite the public to an open house showcasing our newest cottage style home neighborhood in Carnation. The open house will include drawings and illustrations of the development plans with opportunities for Q & A and public comment.

Open House Date: Thursday, April 14, 2011

Open House Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Location: City Council Chambers

Carnation City Hall

4621 Tolt Avenue

The Neighborhood: Located along NE 45th Street (Entwistle Street), the neighborhood will feature cottage style homes with front porches. Plans include open spaces for recreation, a walkable neighborhood design, and energy efficient features. The homes will range in size from 2-5 bedrooms and will be the most "green" Habitat neighborhood to date with plans to certify homes under Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard, Energy Star, and Built Green standards.

For more information about the event, please contact Mandy McCulley, Sustainable Building Coordinator at mandym@habitatekc.org.

Construction Update April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Building 3:

Electrical rough-in is complete except for some breakers.

Worked on pick up framing to prepare for inspections

Continued siding on the front gable- 90% complete

2 days of sunny weather allowed for exterior painting.

Gable ends mostly complete, some work done on the back

Building 4:

Sheet rock was installed. Taping begins on Monday.

Siding is mostly installed over the porch roofs

Building 5:

Installed OSB sheathing on exterior garage walls and party wall

Installed 5 of 6 garage beams.

Work this week:

Siding, paint prep and scaffold removal on buildings 3 & 4.

Some inspections on building 3.

Begin insulating Building 3.

On building 5 we will begin setting floor joists, working and working landings.

La Fortuna, Renton

What a difference a sunny day can make. We sheeted 2 units sub- floor on Friday and everyone had a bounce in their step. Here's hoping for more sun.

Unit #1: 56' of exterior wall is framed, sheeted and stood.

Unit #2: All exterior and party walls framed, sheeted, inspected, and fire rocked with 77' stood and braced.

Unit #3: 12' of exterior wall framed, sheeted, and 21' of partywall framed and sheeted.

Unit #4: Sub- floor sheeted and guardrails up. Stairs are cut and ready to install.

Unit #5: Completed joists, blocking, sub- floor, guardrails, and stairs.

Unit #6: 42' of exterior walls framed, sheeted and stood with 42' of exterior walls framed and ready for sheeting.

Three days of mulching in the wetlands.

Work this week:

Exterior, interior, and partywall framing.

Sheeting.

Fire rocking.

More wetlands mitigation.

Construction Update April 4, 2011

2011-04-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton

Unit 1 has guardrails complete, stairs functional, and wall plates/layout started.

Unit 2 has exterior walls front and back, party walls framed and sheeted, and is waiting for inspections.

Unit 3 - floor sheeting 95% complete. Stairs 75% complete.

Unit 4 has floor framed, blocked, and ready for sub- floor.

Unit 5 has beams set and floor joists 85% complete.

Unit 6 has back wall standing and front walls 90% complete.

Work this week:

Floor joists/ blocking.

Floor sheeting.

Wall framing, stairs.

Wetlands mitigation.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah

Building 3:

Electrical rough-in is about 90% complete. Low voltage/communications wiring will start next week.

HVAC was completed and passed inspection.

Siding continued on the front gable and stairwell wall.

Staged scaffolding.

Building 4:

Completed insulation. Passed all inspections.

Communications wiring passed inspection.

Built scaffolding on the porch roofs and started siding above the roofs.

Installed OSB on interior shear wall.

Sheet rock is scheduled for delivery on Tuesday 4/5.

Building 5:

Framed interior party walls for both units.

Installed garage posts on 5A. Ready for beams.

Installed blocking on party walls for OSB sheathing

Joists were delivered.

Work this week:

We will continue siding on the fronts of buildings 3 and 4.

We will also continue exterior painting.

Electrical will hopefully finish up on building 3 and fire stopping should begin.

Sheet rock should begin on building 4.

Framing will continue on building 5 with wall sheathing, beams and possibly joists.

Construction Update March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Building 3:

HVAC and rough-in continued. HVAC should be complete by mid week.

Installed hardie panel and batts on the front of 3A.

Insulated and installed hardie panel under the front porches.

Lots of exterior caulking and paint was completed.

Building 4:

Passed gas pipe inspection and electrical rough-in.

Framing inspection has several minor corrections, mostly complete.

Building is about 85% insulated.

Started trenching for utilities on 4B.

Building 5:

Continued bolting down mud sills.

Framed exterior pony walls.

A Brush With Kindness (ABWK): framed wall panels and trusses for a storage shed.

Work this week:

We will continue siding on the front of Building 3. Building 4 will have the insulation complete and hopefully stocked with sheet rock. The garage framing on building 5 will also continue.

La Fortuna, Renton

We had 2 sunny days this week!

Unit 1:

Floor sheeting 100% complete.

Stairs are 50% complete.

Guardrails started.

Unit 2:

Stairs, floor sheeting, and guardrails 100% complete.

Walls started.

Unit 3:

Floor framing 100% complete.

Ready for floor sheeting.

Unit 4:

Floor framing 90% complete.

Unit 5:

Ready for floor framing to start.

Unit 6:

Has floor sheeting, stairs and guardrails 100% complete with walls started.

Work this week:

Floor framing.

Floor sheeting.

Stairs

Guardra.ils.

Wall framing.

Chilly Chili Challenge 2011

2011-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our volunteers, chili cooks and anyone else who participated in our Second Annual Chilly Chili Challenge!

The past two months have certainly been chilly ones, and we are so grateful to the volunteers who made it out on those rainy days, the chili cooks who donated their delicious food and time, and other sponsors who kept us going along the way.

It was a very tough decision, but the winners have been selected! Habitat's very own homeowners took the title of Best Chili Cooks. Lola & Alissa moved into their new homes in Issaquah Highlands in November, and they were both eager to help. Although neither had cooked chili before, they both took to their newly appointed roles as chili cook rather nicely. A few bowls and quite a few pieces of cornbread later, I was sure they would ultimately win the challenge. I was right, but the challenge was not an easy one; Lola and Alissa had to defeat an array of delicious homemade chili from Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, the addictive "confetti" cornbread from Landau's Catering, a Santa fe chowder from Organic to Go, and plenty others.

Over the past two months, we have had several old friends, and new ones too, join us on site for the Chilly Chili Challenge. The 2011 Chilly Chili Challenge coincided with the opening of our new neighborhood, La Fortuna in Renton. The Cheesecake Factory were the first group of volunteers to come out to Renton! After digging trenches in the mud all day, they certainly deserved the chili donated by Zoopa!

This community-wide event was made possible by individuals, restaurants and locally-owned businesses. We thank them for making a difference in King County and supporting volunteerism within their community. We rely on 80-90% volunteer labor to keep our homes affordable, so folks like you are truly vital to our affiliate!

Thank you all and we hope to see you next year!

Contine on this page to see a full list of winners and sponsors:

Spiciest: Rainforest Cafe

Most Authentic: BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse

Most Hearty: Landau's Catering

Most Unique: Gourmondo Catering

Most like Mom's or Grandma's: Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church

Overall Awesomeness Renton: BEST High School

Overall Awesomeness Issaquah: Habitat Homeowners

Overall Winner: Habitat Homeowners

Thank you to our other sponsors - we could not have done it without you!

Issaquah Cafe
Zoopa Kaspars Catering
Organic to Go
Bistro Box
Habitat Staff
Trader Joe's
Ingallina's
Mode Organic Salon
Ummelina Day Spa
Maple Leaf Book Exchange
Target
Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse

Construction Update March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton

Floor sheeting in two units began on Saturday. The stair landings are progressing and stairs are ready to begin. One goal is to have enough stairs in before next Saturday so the group coming with under 18 year old volunteers can safely access the level of work available at that time. Floor joists are still going in in 3 units and will probably be 100% complete next week.

Wall framing in the garage level is 95% complete and the finishing touches will be saved for volunteers uncomfortable with work on the 2nd floor.

Work this week:

Floor joists and beams
Wall blocking
Floor blocking
Stairs and landings
Floor sheeting

Magnolia Village, Issaquah

Building 3:

Continued siding. Panel was installed on the front and the north gable is 95% complete.
Caulking and spackling continued on the exterior.
Some exterior painting was continued.
Pre-rock and insulation was installed in 3A garage for HVAC to continue next week.
Electrical rough-in continues.

Building 4:

Siding continued on the front stairwell areas.
Painting is nearly complete on the south gable. Painting was also worked on in the porch areas.
Electrical is complete. The inspection did not pass but the corrections were made and will be re-inspected next week.

Building 5:

Framing work has started!
About half of the mudsills were cut and installed.
Next week we will be ordering framing materials to begin the garage framing.
Work on the framing will be minimal but will progress the building along so that we have a floor built by the beginning of May.

Work this week:

We will be continuing siding and hopefully painting on buildings 3 & 4.
Pre-rock for building 3 will be completed. Some framing will continue on building 5.
Some site work to prepare building 5 foundation for more extensive work. It is currently being used for storing materials and ladders and will need to be cleared.
HVAC and electrical rough-in will continue on building 3.

Congratulations Jim McWha

2011-03-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

Please join us in congratulating Jim McWha, one of our dedicated regular volunteers, who is being honored for his outstanding volunteer efforts. In honor of Jim's and other outstanding volunteers and to kick off National Volunteer Week, Jim and his wife Barb will be joining Governor Gregoire on April 11, 2011 at the Executive Mansion in Olympia for the 2011 Volunteer Service Award Ceremony.

Jim will also be honored with a special recognition on Salute to Volunteers Night at the Seattle Mariners game on April 12th.

Construction Update March 15, 2011

2011-03-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

La Fortuna, Renton

The City of Renton build day went very well with lunch catered by City Council member, Don Perrson and served by the Mayor of Renton, Denis Law.

We made good progress closing a party wall, fire rocking and closing the last party wall in the garage level, setting 9 beams, installing 75% of the floor joists on 1 unit, more floor joists and rim joist in another unit, and stick framing an entryway.

Temporary water service was unlocked, purged, and the trench back filled. The water here is quite tasty and it will be nice to stop buying so much water from the store.

Work this week:

Stick framing entryway walls

Beams and floor joists

Floor blocking

Stair landings, stairs, and maybe floor sheeting

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Building 3:

HVAC rough-in has started-20% complete
Sheet rock was installed behind the bath tubs
Sheet rock continued on the gable
Siding continued: back is complete, south gable has the peak remaining, north gable is 20% complete, siding in the front continued
Worked on exterior caulking and siding paint prep
Pre-rock in the garage should begin next week for HVAC

Building 4:

HVAC rough-in completed, inspection passed, duct testing passed 1 of 2 and will be tested again next week
Electrical rough-in 95% complete, low voltage mostly finished
Siding on front stairwell walls- 80% complete
Installed baffles in attic

Temporary water service was installed this week for the site. Work continued in the old yard.

Work this week:

Continue siding

Moving some scaffolding towers

Hopefully the electrical rough-in will be completed and ready for inspection.

Construction Update March 7, 2011

2011-03-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

We have some floor joists up!

La Fortuna, Renton

Work is progressing well and we have 3 party walls closed and 2 more ready for inspection on Tuesday. The floor package was delivered on Thursday and we started installing floor joist today. We have another week in the garages then we should be all floor framing for a couple weeks.

The footing and roof drain connection was made by Steve on Friday and we will connect to it next week. Water was turned on at our temp water faucet yesterday.

Work in the wetlands this week included the Newport HS group digging up bamboo roots and mulching around the native species Denise planted. Some of the group also worked on building some picnic tables for our lunch area.

Work this week: stick framing entryway walls, stair landings, floor framing, and wetlands mitigation.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Building 3:

Continued siding, the back is 99% complete.
Panel and plank were started on 3A gable and panel was started on 3B gable
Continued limited electrical work
Layout for HVAC complete
Some caulking and spackling continued

Building 4:

Plumbing rough-in was inspected, 4A passed, 4B should pass this week.
HVAC needs to complete dryer and fan venting.
Electrical rough-in is about 80% complete, low voltage wiring will begin this week.
Continued siding on the front of the building.

We also worked on some site maintenance, silt fences, plastic, straw, etc. Work has started in the old yard to clean up and have the remaining trailer moved.

Work this week: siding.

Construction Update February 21, 2011

2011-02-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton

One side of all garage level shear walls have been sheeted and fire rocked. There is 1 garage with all of the other side built, sheeted, and fire rocked plus one with 2 of 3 framed.

The floor system is scheduled for delivery on Friday, February 25th. Installation could begin the following Saturday.

Work this week:

Wall framing
Wall sheeting
Floor joists.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Building 3:

Continued hardie plank siding.

Garage level and 1st floor is about 90% complete.

Continued white wood trim- corners and belly bands.

Started hardie panel on the top floor.

Electrical in the garages continued.

Building 4:

Continued painting on both gable ends.

4B is 95% complete and ready for scaffolding to be partially removed.

Completed pre-rock installation in the garages.

HVAC started- 50% complete in 4A and 4B.

Siding continued in the low areas in the front and under the porches.

Work this week:

Siding on Building 3
Dismantling and assembling scaffolding
Painting

Last Build Day in Puerto Rico

2011-02-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

Mary Martin weighs in on Habitat in Puerto Rico:

Our team finished up our work on the houses here in San Juan and ended the day with a well attended press conference of local officials, corporate sponsors and other guests. Although most people spoke in Spanish, Edgar Martinez made some comments in English thanking our group for coming and working here with him. It’s been a great week and everyone has been extremely gracious and appreciative of our efforts.

Greetings from Puerto Rico!

2011-02-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

From Mary Martin, Resource Development Director, Habitat EKC:

Today was a great day of working with the Puerto Rico Habitat affiliate on a duplex they are building in San Juan. We stripped forms from the first floor walls and tomorrow we will be working on forms for the second story cast in place concrete floor.

Wonderful weather and work team!

Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day

2011-02-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

On Valentine’s Day, over 500 affordable housing advocates from across Washington state gathered in Olympia to let our legislators know that Every Heart Needs a Home. The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance and Washington State Coalition for the Homeless rallied and readied those gathered for Advocacy Day on upcoming legislation and key policies to highlight when speaking with their representatives.

Habitat for Humanity EKC supporters met with our representatives (or, in true busyness of the Capitol, their staff team) from the 45th district: State Senator Andy Hill, State Representative Roger Goodman, and State Representative Larry Springer. Our fantastic housing allies from Hopelink and St. Andrew’s Housing Group joined us in urging them to invest in the Housing Trust Fund.

We took the opportunity to tell legislators first hand why affordable housing and alternative housing solutions are an essential, worthwhile investment for our future and a vital aspect to community development. It was also an opportunity to illuminate the connection stable housing has with other key issues in Olympia such as education and healthcare—we wanted our representatives to understand that the issues they are particularly passionate about are hugely impacted by the home environment.

Legislators, employees, donors, volunteers, and advocates all have a vision of a community that allows individuals and families to thrive. Participating in Advocacy Day was empowering, exciting, and impactful toward this vision. While the day itself was a concentrated effort, we know that advocacy can and should happen year-round (especially during tough economic times as we are hard-pressed to prioritize needs).

We at Habitat EKC encourage you to stay up-to-date on housing legislation and let your representatives know that you care about this issue and they should too! Utilize the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance Advocacy Page education tools and resources to make your opinion heard. Your passion and stories have power—believe the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Construction Update February 14, 2011

2011-02-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Magnolia Village, Issaquah

Building 3:

Set more scaffolding around the exterior.
Finished installing windows for the building.
Started siding on the middle course, 2nd story in the back.
Continued with pre-painting siding, 99% down pre-painting.
Electrical work in the garages is about 50% complete.

Building 4:

Removed the remaining scaffolding from the back of the building.
Installed front porch ceilings and worked on beam wrap and trim.
Continued exterior painting on the gable ends.
Installed insulation and sheet rock in the garage (areas for duct work only.)
Electrical work in garages continued.
Set bath tubs.
Plumbing is now complete and ready for test/inspection.

Work this week:

Siding will continue mostly on building 3.
HVAC is expected to start in building 4.

La Fortuna, Renton

What a week! We started framing walls on Tuesday and have already 5 long walls framed and sheeted and 1 covered in fire protecting sheetrock. We also passed an inspection on Friday. We had the last 2 garages poured on Tuesday, so all of the floors are done.

All of the required plants in the wetlands have been planted and we are now trying to find wood chips for weed prevention.

Work this week:

Wall framing
Wall sheeting
Fire rock
Framing the stair landings.

Edgar Martinez Joins Habitat for Humanity of East King County for Homebuilding Trip to Puerto Rico

2011-02-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

From February 14-18, 2011, Edgar Martinez will join Habitat for Humanity of East King County (EKC) for a homebuilding trip in his childhood home of Puerto Rico.

The Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico affiliate will host the team of staff and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity EKC, Washington.

Although born in New York City, Edgar moved to Dorado, Puerto Rico in 1965 and attended American University of Puerto Rico before moving back to the states and being drafted to the Seattle Mariners. This is Edgar's second trip to visit Habitat for Humanity in Puerto Rico, but his first time helping to build a Habitat house. In May of 2010, he joined Tom Granger, Executive Director of Habitat EKC and Amanda Silva, Executive Director of Habitat Puerto Rico and Board Members in the groundbreaking event for their latest homebuilding project.

He will be joined by Habitat EKC staff and 8 other dedicated volunteers from the Eastside. During the trip, the group will be laying rebar for the second level of the house they will be working on, setting wood formwork and helping the electrician and plumber with rough-in work.

Trip participants will be blogging about their experience in Puerto Rico at the Habitat EKC website blog here: http://habitatekc.blogspot.com/ during the trip. Pictures, video and a quote from Edgar about his experience will be available upon the group's return.

Habitat for Humanity surpassed its 400,000 house milestone during its most recent fiscal year. Since the nonprofit was founded in 1976, its self-help, hand-up model has resulted in rehabbed, repaired or new housing for more than 2 million people worldwide. Habitat EKC is part of this global effort.

Since 1988, Habitat EKC has built, rehabbed or repaired 107 houses. The goal of this affiliate is to make it possible for low-income Eastside residents to be able to purchase simple, decent, affordable homes. The families who will move into these homes will put in 500 hours of their own labor as a down payment towards homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico was founded in 1997 as the 1,348th affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It shares 10% of its unrestricted donations with the Dominican Republic affiliate. Their first housing project of thirteen row houses is located in San Juan between the communities of Cantera and Villa Palmeras. In February 2009, they inaugurated their 14th house in the Amelia Ward of the Municipality of Guaynabo. In August 2010 they started the construction of the two new houses in Guaynabo.

4-, 5-, & 6-bedroom homes available

2011-02-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Habitat for Humanity of East King County is looking for several large families who are qualified for 4-, 5-, and 6-bedroom homes. Please contact Emily Fortman, Director of Family Services, at efortman@habitatekc.org for more information about house size determination, selection timeline, and qualifications of homeownership applicants.

Magnolia Village reached Built Green 4-Star!

2011-02-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today we reached a new milestone in sustainable construction and environmental stewardship: the first 4 homes of Magnolia Village, Issaquah have been certified to the 4-star level of the local Built Green program! Built Green is a non-profit organization out of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. The program certifies homes up to a 5-star level based on the homes environmental impact; a lower environmental impact means a higher level of certification.

Magnolia Village is our first community to reach this level of certification. To succeed, the homes were subjected to a third party verification process including Energy Star verification, duct testing, and whole house blower door testing.

Some of the homes sustainable features include:
• Low flow plumbing fixtures and aerators
• Energy Star appliances, light fixtures, and compact fluorescent light bulbs
• High-efficiency furnaces and water heaters
• Low voc paints and adhesives
• Greenguard certified insulation
• Green Label Plus certified carpet
• Ceramic Tile entries, kitchens, and bathrooms
• Recycled content materials

Less maintenance due to durable materials and lower utility bills as a result of energy efficient construction lessen the financial burden on our families. As fossil fuels increase in price these steps toward energy efficiency will ensure the continued affordability of Habitat homes.

We want to thank everyone who contributed to our success and especially Diane Glen, verifier; Eric Sperline, duct testing; and Ed Brown, Habitat support. We do not want this achievement to become a one-hit wonder, but plan to maintain a standard for all newly constructed homes and continue to increase our sustainable building capacity. We will not step backward, but prove that affordable housing can be energy efficient and environmentally responsible!

Construction Update February 7, 2011

2011-02-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton

Framing began the weekof January 31-February 4. We are currently installing mud sills and the beams at the garage doors. The garage door walls are purchased from Simpson Strong-Walls and come pre-assembled.

There are 4 garage slabs poured and the other two units are 95% ready to pour.

Work this week:

framing tasks

pony walls

stick framed garage/party walls

stage framed garage/party walls, beams, mud sills, and wall sheeting.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah

Building 3:

Continued work on white wood, window trim, and 2x2 corners. Hardie plank siding started. Most of the garage level is complete in the back and up the gable sides. Plank was also started in the front. Window installation continued to progress. ONLY 4 LEFT! Pre-painting continued for building 3. About 90% complete. Scaffolding was built on half of the back of the building. Front doors were installed and lock sets on both buildings.

Building 4:

Siding for the building is now about 80% complete. Both gable ends are complete to the roof. The porch and bump out areas in the front are started. Corners for the front bump outs were started. Painting is 90% complete on the back of the building. Touch ups and painting on the roof remains.

Work this week:

Siding will continue on both buildings.

Painting on the back of 4 will be completed if the weather permits. Insulation and sheet rock will be installed in select areas to allow for the HVAC installation to be scheduled for a start date.

Scaffolding will also be shifted from building 3 to building 4.

Paint prep on the exterior of building 4 will also continue.

Construction Update January 31, 2011

2011-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Good progress continued at the site this week:

Building 3

Several more windows were installed, only 6 to go!
White wood trim was installed for the lower siding fields on the back, gable ends and portions of the front.
Plumbing rough-in passed inspection.
Siding pre-painting was started.

Building 4

Siding on the back of the building is 99% complete.
Siding on the gable ends are at and near the start of the roof.
Several siding fields in the front prepped and ready for Hardie plank.
Front doors were installed.
Plumbing rough-in is about 90% complete for 4B and 75% for 4A.
Painting on the back was started. First coat on siding, eaves, facia.
Installed one of the siding fields on the main roof.
Continued siding pre-painting.

This week: We are trying to complete the painting on the back of Building 4. Siding work will continue on the gables and should start on the front of Building 4. We should be able to remove some of the scaffolding from Building 4 and move it to Building 3. The focus on Building 3 will continue to be window installation and front doors. Hardie siding could also start. Prep work for HVAC installation will begin this week or the following.

La Fortuna, Renton

We installed the electrical conduits and passed our inspections this week. We also passed 4 units of plumbing underground and installed the other 2. Today we installed the 2x10 treated sub-sill in the entryways of 3 units and the entryway slab will pour up against this and foam insulation, separating the floor from contact with unheated foundation walls.

The office trailer is completely up and running with heat, lights, DSL, computer, phone, fax, refrigerator, microwaves, etc.

This week: Work will include downspout drains, foam board insulation, site work and (maybe) framing.

Family Info Meetings - April 2011

2011-01-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in applying for Habitat for Humanity EKC's homeownership program, you must attend a Family Information Meeting to learn more about the criteria and pickup an application packet. Family Information Meetings are typically scheduled twice per year and are held at libraries and other public venues around East King County.
Family Information Meetings will be held in April 2011 and will be posted on our web site. If you have questions about the homeownership program, please contact Emily Fortman, Director of Family Services, at 425-869-6007, ext. 237, or e-mail efortman@habitatekc.org.

Cambodia Global Village Trip Now Open

2011-01-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

Emily Fortman, Director of Family Services and Kathy Davis, Bookkeeper, will be leading 12 adventurers on a Global Village trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia from June 10-18, 2011. Global Village trips consist of construction side by side with the families for whom you will be building a home, in addition to authentic Cambodian meals and some cultural activities in nearby areas. This is truly a chance to immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture and see a different side of Habitat.

The trip cost will be about $1,310 and will include accommodations, on-ground transportation, meals, drinking water, cultural experiences, travel medical insurance, and a donation to the Cambodian affiliate. Airfare is not included in price and currently running about $1,500 from Seattle.

For more information, please contact Emily Fortman at efortman@habitatekc.org or by phone at 425-869-6007. Space is limited, so please make your reservations as soon as possible!

Construction Update January 24, 2011

2011-01-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton

Back fill has been completed across the entire back of the building. We spread straw today in an attempt to help stabilize the ground. Steve will start bringing in structural fill for the garages and gravel for the driveway areas next week. Most of Unit 1 was insulated for back fill.

Downspout drains were started today and are about 50% complete. Plumbing waste lines are in Units 2 & 3 and 90% complete in Unit 1. We are hoping to have the plumbing underground installed and inspected by the end of next week. As soon as the plumbing can be back filled we will start the electrical conduits. Once we have an electrical permit, the conduit installed, and our inspections we can finish back filling the garages and get ready for the slabs to be poured.

Site work performed this week was quite varied and included erosion control tasks, back filling the office trailer's power and telephone trench, removal of invasive plants from the wet lands, completion of the recycling dumpster, and the start of a shed for the volunteer tool box and safety glasses.

Work next week will include the all staff build, spreading top soil and planting native plants in the wet lands, plumbing underground, downspout drains, foundation insulation, some specialized mud sills around the entryways, site work, and electrical conduits.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah

The focus of this shortened week was on building 4. We did manage to get a few more windows in on building 3.

Building 4: Hardie plank siding in the back of the building is about 95% complete. Started caulking siding and continued exterior spackle. Hardie plank siding on the north and south ends are both at about 40% complete.

Next week siding will continue on building 4, paint prep work and if the weather cooperates some painting. Siding will also begin on the roof of building 4. We should be close to removing the scaffolding on the back of building 4 and moving it to building 3.

Build Your Shed on Solid Ground

2011-01-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

On the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday, Habitat for Humanity of East King County AmeriCorps members teamed up with the Habitat Seattle/South King County AmeriCorps to volunteer their time and skills on a community project. The twenty AmeriCorps members partnered with Solid Ground's Lettuce Link Program in Seattle. Lettuce Link is an innovative food and gardening program that creates access to fresh, nutritious and organic produce, seeds, and gardening information for low-income families in Seattle. They work to educate the community about food security and sustainable food production.

As an individual who has operated a food bank in the past and worked on food security and nutrition with lower-income and ethnically diverse communities in the Seattle area, I was thrilled about the program and how it gives residents agency in growing a healthier community! Our countribution to support their newest community garden project was to build a tool shed. Solid Ground supplied the plans for the shed while we procured most of the materials through donations. On MLK Day, part of the AmeriCorps team worked on the shed while others helped with tasks for the farm such as building drainage ditches, creating garden paths, and removing invasive plants. We had a great time working with the folks from Solid Ground and were glad to contribute toward their goal of making the Seattle Community Farm a working farm by spring 2011. Building a shed is no simple task, so the construction experience of AmeriCorps CVLs was certainly invaluable!

The effects of the farm will be far-reaching; produce grown there will stay in the immediate vicinity for Rainier Vista neighborhood residents and it will be used by the Rainier Valley Food Bank and Teen and Childcare Programs. It was an honor to be part of the partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Solid Ground's Lettuce Link program--it illuminated how vital collaboration is in community building and how passion-sharing is essential in building Dr. King's Beloved Community. AmeriCorps members and staff persons from both teams were able to share their diverse skills, ideas, passions, and resources to work toward a unified goal. From this collaboration I was reminded that to serve not only means to give of yourself and your time, but to accept the gift of self and time from others and use those two things for the greater vision.

Thanks to all those involved in organizing this event. Thanks to the two staff members, Andy Varyu and Mike Hammerquist, for working on your day off—an extra thank you to Mike for lending your construction expertise!

Check out the Lettuce Link blog about their take on the service day!

Construction Update January 18, 2011

2011-01-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna

The first full week at La Fortuna in Renton went well. The office trailer arrived from Issaquah and we reinstalled the stairs and landings on Tuesday. Wednesday we leveled and set up the office trailer and organized the TEX container to be ready for the volunteer group scheduled for Thursday.

Thursday the Cheesecake Factory brought 13 volunteers who worked on installing footing drains, trenching for office power and telephone, setting up the kiosks, and erosion control. The staff worked with Master Electrician, Curt Hedges to build the power pole for the trailer and get it installed. Over all a definite success.

Friday, staff worked with the Americorps to install the conduit for the trailer power and telephone. Curt came out and I pulled the wires through the conduits and made the connections. The trailer power is ready for inspection on Tuesday. Connection will be scheduled after we pass the inspection and usually takes about 5 working days.

Saturday, a group from the UW Habitat for Humanity club and some homeowners came out to volunteer. We worked on the footing drains, garbage and recycling dumpsters, securing the plastic cover on the dirt mountain with twine and sand bags, and rearranging the building site fences so Steve has room to back fill the foundation.

Work next week will include; footing drains, plumbing underground, erosion control, site work (organizing, finishing the recycling dumpster, painting signs, filling in the power trench, etc), plus, maybe downspout drains and electrical conduits.

Magnolia Village

Good progress this week at the site. On Tuesday, the large office trailer was moved to Renton and phone service was reconnected to the smaller trailer that is staying at the Highlands. We now have power and internet in Issaquah. Friday was utilized to help get the reorganized after the move. The rest of the progress is below:

Unit 3:

Continued installing window flashing and windows.

Started white wood around the garage door openings.

Plumbing rough-in is complete and ready for testing.

Ordered exterior doors.

Unit 4:

Continued with white wood trim installation, trim is essentially complete on the first two siding levels on the sides and back of the building.

Started hardie plank siding. Complete in the back up to the start of the upper floor. Also started hardie plank on the north and south sides.

Continued with exterior spackling.

Plumbing rough-in is 50% complete. Water lines should begin next week.

Installed electrical meter bases.

Ordered exterior doors.

Work next week will include: siding on the north, south and west sides of building 4. House wrap and window installation will continue on building 3. We may also begin pre-painting some of the siding product.

INTRODUCING THE NEW LOCAL “SAMMAMISH CARES” PROGRAM

2011-01-13T12:15:00.001-08:00

The City of Sammamish in a collective effort partners with local non-profits The Rotary Club of Sammamish, Sammamish Kiwanis, Faith in Action and Habitat for Humanity of East King County in a community ground breaking effort to offer one time assistance to Sammamish residents who need help in maintaining their property or home.

SAMMAMISH, January 1, 2011 – Today, the City of Sammamish, Rotary Club of Sammamish, Sammamish Kiwanis, Faith in Action and Habitat for Humanity of East King County, is pleased to announce the new local “Sammamish Cares” program. The purpose of the new “Sammamish Cares” Program , is to help Sammamish residents in need.

“Sammamish Cares” can help with simple, one time repairs that are a necessity for the homeowner when the homeowner is unable to make the repairs due to a lack of funds and/or physical or mental incapacity. Projects such as yard maintenance and simple repairs would fall under the “Sammamish Cares” program. More complex repairs may be referred to Habitat for Humanity and their “Brush with Kindness” program. Projects for homeowners over the age of 60 will be reviewed by the organization, Faith in Action, for implementation. Depending on the scope of the project, homeowners may be asked to cover some of the costs if they are able to. This new Sammamish community program is unable to help with ongoing maintenance or projects which require skills above the skill set of the volunteers.

HOW TO ASK FOR HELP OR VOLUNTEER TO HELP: Contact Dawn Sanders, City of Sammamish Volunteer Coordinator, at 425.295.0556, dsanders@ci.sammamish.wa.us, for referral into the program or for the “Sammamish Cares” brochure. Dawn Sanders will then fill out a short Application of Need which will then be forwarded to the “Sammamish Cares” Operations Committee for monthly review. Emergency repairs will be handled on a case by case basis.

Construction Update January 3, 2011

2011-01-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

La Fortuna, Renton

The foundation contractor will be pouring the walls on Monday or Tuesday and will need several days to remove the form boards. When they are done we will put in the footing and downspout drains, then backfill. After the backfill we will trench out for electrical conduits, sewer lines and water.

Volunteer days start on 12 January.

Work the week of Janury 3-7, 2011: footing drains and site work.

Magnolia Village, Issaquah Highlands

Even with snow and freezing weather, we made progress this week. In the mornings we use a propane torch to thaw out the locks and put out ice melt on the worst patches. One day we shoveled snow off the scaffolding so we could put up housewrap. The roofing is completed on Unit 4, but got postponed on Unit 3 because of the snow. We are building more scaffolding because we can get planks without ice from the stack. Sometimes we have to use the torch to thaw the moving parts on the scaffold frames. Last Thursday we put the sheetrock in the attic on the party wall gable truss (a 3 person job) with 8 volunteers and 2 Americorps. Unit 3 will have a shearwall reinspection on Tuesday and we can start housewrap on Wednesday. Siding is ordered for delivery next week.

Work the week of January 3-7, 2011 will include: housewrap, windows, sheetrock in the attic, trim boards, and siding.