Yesterday we celebrated the completion of two new LEED-targeted homes, a project that spanned 3 years and engaged over 180 YouthBuild students in construction training! The properties at 2006 & 2008 W. Wingohocking were transformed from abandoned houses into affordable, energy-efficient homes that will be sold through Nicetown CDC to first-time homebuyers.
The ribbon cutting ceremony featured remarks by representatives from YouthBuild USA, Nicetown CDC, the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia City Council, Saint-Gobain, and YouthBuild Philly. YouthBuild student Maine Robbins took the podium to acknowledge his peers and predecessors for the hard work that they’d put into the properties, and described the importance of sustainable building for our planet’s future.
Following the ceremony, we celebrated with a neighborhood block party and gave tours of the homes.
Many thanks to the partners who made this ambitious project a possibility. Our students learned valuable skills because of this project, and can take pride for the rest of their lives in having rebuilt a house for a deserving family. That is an amazing thing to give to young people and we are so grateful for all the people and organizations who made it possible.
In addition to our project partners Saint-Gobain, YouthBuild USA, CertainTeed and Nicetown CDC, we would like to thank the following groups for their funding support for this project: U.S. Department of Labor, AmeriCorps, City of Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development, Philadelphia Youth Network, and Bike & Build. Special acknowledgements to Saint-Gobain, GSK, Starbucks, East River Bank, Bike &Build, and LEADERSHIP Philadelphia for providing volunteer support during the renovation process as well.
