FMCA: HFH - Piru CA Build Report

FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity
PIRU, CA BUILD REPORT
MARCH 24 – APRIL 4, 2003

Submitted by Team Leaders:
Bob & Sylvia Hicks on April 23, 2003

Eighteen eager Habitat for Humanity, FMCA Chapter volunteers arrived at the Piru Lake Recreational Area Campground on Monday 24 March. Another team, lead by the Ray and Karen Nellis joined us for a joint effort. Many had just attended the FMCA International Convention in Pomona, CA the previous weekend. Water and electric sites were provided at $18.00/night. All were eager to get acquainted and learn the particulars of the build to come. The Ventura Co. Affiliate provided a Welcome Dinner at the campground. We were introduced to the Executive Director, Annette Houchin, Volunteer Coordinator Cristin Walsh and other members of the staff. We learned that the affiliate is the oldest in California, but just started building new homes in 1993. Prior to that, efforts were directed to renovation of existing homes. Our build site in Piru, is their largest endeavor to date consisting of 4.5 acres of land. The neighborhood has 13 completed homes, 5 under construction and 4 still to be started. Our group was the first Habitat Care-a-Van for the affiliate and they were very pleased to have us.

Our assignment, along with the Nellis Team of 18 builders, was to work on all phases of construction for the five homes in process. Tuesday morning arrived and everyone donned their tool belts with great anticipation. The Affiliate was invited to give Devotions the first morning, provided by Annette Houchin. Each morning there after was begun with a devotion given by one of our build participants. Our work schedule was Tuesday – Saturday the first week and Monday – Friday the second week. Work tasks were chosen by the participants, based on their skills and experience. We broke into teams, and tackled jobs with enthusiasm. The work ran the gamut from site improvement to framing to dry wall. Some tackled the organization of the tool containers while others gathered and sorted tray nails. No job was too small! One group concentrated on plumbing a complete home including gas and water. Another set to completing the concrete tile roof. Two teams worked on drywall. New skills were learned with the installation of handyboard concrete siding. One slab was prepped and ready for framing. Our able framers dove in and set the exterior and interior walls as well as raise trusses. All hands were eager to join in the wall raising which is always a thrill. Many signed and dated the area where they were working as a lasting memento of their participation. Site Manager, Jeffrey Chen was available daily to coordinate building tasks and assure correct procedures.

The neighborhood homeowners as well as those waiting to move into the 5 homes under construction all were most generous. In addition to their Saturday Sweat Equity time, the women provided several delicious Mexican lunches. Neighbors brought over fresh iced tea and lemonade. We truly felt a part of their community and were able to
Share their joy and pride in home ownership. Maria Avila proudly opened her back yard for a garden tour.

The surrounding communities of Piru and Fillmore were most generous in providing boxed lunches, morning break refreshments as well as ice to keep drinks cool. The affiliate provided water, soft drinks, and snack items. Our food teams did a great job in soliciting donations during our stay. Thank you’s went to the Piru Arco for ice, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King, Dominoes Pizza, Vons, Moonlight Donut Shop, Sunkist Orange Packing House, and the Piru Lake Campground for all their assistance during our stay. Special notes of thanks went to each of the home owners as well as build participants. Several evening dinner get togethers were enjoyed by all. Dan and Audrey Coffman made a great chili dinner and Polly Patereck provided great soup dinners and deserts.

As we prepared to wrap up on Friday, the 4th of April, each participant shared a feeling of accomplishment and pride in the work completed. And five families came closer to realizing their dream of home ownership. The Ventura Co. Affiliate expressed their gratitude and welcomes us back for future building.