Habitat for Humanity development beginning to take shape
Plan is for three families to be in by Christmas
By Carissa Marsh cmarsh@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers COMING ALONG- One house already has solid walls, but two of the houses on the Habitat for Humanity project site at the corner of Royal and Sequoia Avenues are just frames. However, work is progressing fast, and doors and windowpanes lean against the walls, waiting to be installed.

The intersection of Sequoia and Royal avenues has undergone quite a transformation since October. Where there once was a dirt-filled corner, the silhouettes of three modest homes now stand.

The 1.5-acre site is the first Habitat for Humanity development in Simi Valley and for three local families, a symbol of progress and hope.

"They all look like houses now," said Stacy Swanson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. "It's in the fun stage now. When it's dirt, it's not really fun."

Significant progress has been made in the past 10 months since groundbreaking, and construction has "definitely picked up the pace," Swanson said.

"They're moving right along," she said. "It looks just so completely different and at this stage in construction it changes week to week."

The houses are now finished with framing and windows are being installed. Last Saturday, volunteers were working on electrical and plumbing projects, putting down felt that will serve as a base for the tile roofs, and wrapping one of the homes in Tyvek, a moisture sealer.

In coming weeks, volunteers will be putting up siding, insulation and drywall and doors will be installed.

Swanson said the project is on time for its fall deadline, with completion slated for September or October.

Although it's mostly been smooth sailing, one big delay occurred early on: an unwelcome power pole had to be removed before the foundation for the first house could be poured. It cost the project a delay of six months.

Julie Ream, chair of the HFHVC board of directors, said there are plans to auction off the power pole piece by piece.

"It's a very hated power pole," she said with a laugh.

Since it poured the concrete pad for the first house about a month ago, the Habitat crew hasn't looked back, working diligently to catch up to the other two homes.

"We should have house No. 1 caught up by the end of the month," said John Kistler, construction manager for the Simi site.

Of course, the backbone of Habitat and the driving force behind the current construction project are the volunteers.

"We have been really fortunate; the community of Simi Valley has really responded," Swanson said.

Swanson said local church groups and businesses, as well as the house sponsors, have sent unteers to the Simi build.

And while the project has had many volunteers on Saturdays, Kistler said, they can never have enough hands to hammer nails and put up siding.

"If we could have some more skilled tradesmen come out, that would be great," he said.

The majority of Saturday volunteers lack the experience and skills of the Wednesday crew, which is made up mostly of retired folks with a background in construction. Kistler said he'd like to see multiple established crews with dedicated construction managers one week out of the month.

"We're trying to get more of the community involved," he said. "Trying to get more people to step up and take pride in their neighborhood."

Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County has built 44 homes. The Simi project will bring that number to 47, and Swanson said the 50th home will be completed in 2009.

Three single-parent families living in Simi Valley were chosen to receive the homes. Coincidentally, each single mother has three children.

"They are typically out there helping every Saturday putting in their sweat equity hours, and they are really excited about their new homes," Swanson said.

Each family must put 500 hours of work into the construction of their home.

The three-bedroom, two-bath homes are each 1,100 square feet with a small backyard. A common area and shared driveway out front connect the homes.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up on HFHVC's official website, habitatventura.org, or call volunteer coordinator Matt Gilling at (805) 485-6065.