Habitat "Blitz" Will Build House in a Week

Scene from Home Builders Blitz video.

Habit for Humanity officials won permission City Council Monday to close off a portion of West Third Street for a week - the time it takes to build an entire house in a "Home Builders Blitz."

The Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, executive director of Greater Plainfield Habitat for Humanity, told the governing body it normally takes a year to build a house. The "blitz" will require use of the street to stage the operation, which will involve use of a large crane to lift the components into place on the foundation. Montgomery showed a video demonstrating the method.

The street closure will only affect three driveways and he has agreements with all three, he said.

Construction Supervisor Wayne Smith also asked for help with timely inspections to meet the schedule. The organization is willing to pay a state-licensed inspector to be on site if the city can't accommodate the schedule. Smith said many times it takes two to three weeks to get a city inspector to a site.

Because the Plainfield Home Builders Blitz received partial funding through the Neighborhood Enhancement Program under CDBG-DR funds administered by the Department of HUD and the State of New Jersey, preference for the new home at 1036 West Third Street will go to a family displaced and/or affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Greater Plainfield Habitat for Humanity has built 35 homes in 25 years of operation, with six under construction this year. Besides the one to be erected on West Third Street between June 9 and 13, there are five others being built on West Seventh Street. The chapter welcomes volunteers and donations.

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. The nonprofit Christian ecumenical housing ministry now has 1,500 affiliates in the United States and over 200 affiliates overseas, according to the local chapter's web site.

--Bernice