Building a Lifetime of Memories
Builders Blitz 2006

During the week of June 5 - 9, more than 1,000 building industry professionals joined forces with Habitat for Humanity affiliates to construct more than 400 houses in 130 communities across the nation in just five days during Home Builders Blitz 2006. One of the largest projects of its kind in the United States, this project provides affordable housing for low-income families, allowing them a unique opportunity to own their very own home. A total of nine homes were completed for the project in Houston.

Builders, subcontractors, suppliers and volunteers came together to obtain materials and professional labor for the week-long event. The GHBA Custom Builders Council took charge of building one of the houses for the Blitz. Despite the heat and impending rain, GHBA members showed up by the truckload in a wonderful display of diligence, hard work and community spirit.

Of special note were the homes of the built by the Custom Builders Council and Remodelors Council. Morning Star Builders, Ltd. assisted in the design of the Habitat House as part of the Custom Builders Council. The added design details specified rough cedar shutters and brackets, adding a special touch to this house. Participating in this event was largest charitable project that either council has undertaken in GHBA history.

"The most thrilling part of the project was seeing the camaraderie between the teams," said 2006 CBC President Rickey Davis of Highmark Homes. "I was impressed by the way everyone pitched in to help each other out. When you give back to the community, everyone wins."

The Builders Blitz project concluded with a dedication ceremony held Friday afternoon. Each builder was given the opportunity to meet the family that would soon move into their new home and give them a tour. "It was so heart-warming to see the pride and joy of these new homeowners," Fendley continued. "That was a very memorable part of the experience - actually getting to know the family who will be living in the home. It is especially significant to our employees that the home we are building is for a family from New Orleans who lost everything in the wake of the hurricane. The mother escaped the flooding with her 2-year old son by putting him on a mattress and floating him to safety. Now that they have decided to make Houston their permanent home, it is such a gratifying feeling for all of us to be able to help this family start over with a brand new home."

A special thanks to the hundreds of GHBA members who donated countless thousands of dollars worth of time, material and labor to this project. The result will be a lifetime of memories for nine worthy families in their brand new homes.

For more information, visit www.ghba.org or www.habitat.org/buildersblitz.