Diane Barnes, warehouse manager for Habitat. She started the Women Build home program in Chattanooga in 1996 and has been a part of every Women Build Project since then. Photo was taken at the beginning of the Women Build project.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is continuing efforts to protect its staff, volunteers and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also continuing necessary construction work on the Women Build house and other essential exterior repair projects.
Habitat is continuing these projects while following all required social distancing and government-issued guidelines. All essential repairs and projects required for the Aging in Place program are taking place on the home’s exterior only, with no face to face contact with the owner.
These projects include but are not limited to roof replacement or repairs, wheelchair ramp additions and porch repairs, including repairs to steps and handrails. While these programs are regularly citywide, Habitat is currently focusing these projects in the Orchard Knob area.
Work continues on the Women Build house at 256 West 35th St. in Alton Park, with no volunteers on site, only essential Habitat staff and sub-contractors. This week, workers are completing the home’s soffit, which covers the underside of the roof overhang, as well as beginning plumbing work and installing electricity. In continuing the Women Build tradition, women from Habitat’s staff are currently working on site.
“While this unprecedented pandemic hinders some of our abilities, we are still continuing to build and assist with crucial repairs,” said Dennis Neal, senior vice president of Construction of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. “Though adapting to this pandemic will be challenging, we know access to safe, affordable shelter is more urgent now than ever before.”
Photo was taken at the beginning of the Women Build project.