Strack and Van Til Day jumpstarts Habitat remodel

When it comes to making a positive, tangible contribution to the community, volunteering to help Habitat for Humanity create simple, decent and affordable homes for partner families is a great way to invest your time and energy.

Just ask the volunteer crew from Strack and Van Tils Sibley Street store in Hammond who showed up for a day of work to remodel the future home of their co-worker, Star Washington.

You know were behind her when you see us out in the rain and cold taking down siding, Takeita Morris said. It keeps you warm when youre moving, so I think we finished a whole lot faster than they thought we would.

Demonstrating how volunteering can be a great team building activity, a total of seven Strack and Van Til employees who typically work in various grocery departments including the deli, produce and seafood departments as well as a cashier and utility service clerk, spent the whole morning outside preparing the exterior of the home located at 6636 Missouri Street in Hammond for a fresh, new look.

This has been a really nice experience, Agnes Gregory said. We werent sure what to expect, and we learned something new. Youd be surprised what you can do. Im looking forward to doing more.

Thats what Habitat is all about, immediate Past President of the Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Board of Directors and Strack and Van Til Vice President of Finance Keith Bruxvoort said. Its team work. Most people who get involved get involved again.

According to Habitats Construction Manager Scott Cearing this home, which was donated to the organization about a year ago, should be ready for Star and her six-year-old son Abontie in approximately four to six weeks.

Its essentially the same process whether were doing a build or remodel as far as securing permits, scheduling volunteers and acquiring materials. But, the way we approach remodels is a little different from new construction in that we need to assess how far we need to go, he explained. In this particular home, were going to replace all of the electrical, outlets and plumbing fixtures. Were going to add new drywall prior to painting and decorating, and were taking the exterior down to the wall sheeting. We have new windows, siding and doors, and well be blowing in new insulation with R-values above todays standards. Our goal is to keep the heating costs within $100 for the worst winter months so the homeowner can keep those energy bills down.

A second generation Habitat partner family, Stars mother Joyce Washington has been living in a Habitat home since 1990.

She encouraged me to talk to the people at Habitat, Star explained. Were currently living in an apartment on 164th Place in Hessville so this works out really well. My son can stay in the same school. Im looking forward to having the peace of mind of living in my own home. Its such a nice neighborhood. Living in an apartment can be a challenge with children who tend be loud at times. The backyard is going to be great for my son. A place where he can play thats off the streets. When the weather gets a little nicer, Im going to bring him to help me rake up the yard and pick up sticks. Were so excited to move.

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Strack and Van Til Day jumpstarts Habitat remodel