Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Santa Fe Construction students to build eight homes in Alachua County. Yesterday, they installed a home in Gainesville for Kendra Washington and her five children.
The family is currently living in an apartment but will be able to move into the new home in October. Until then, they will be at the new house every week to help with construction.
"It's amazing. My heart is pumping fast," Washington said. "I'm grateful to have all of the volunteers, all of the sponsors, and just, first and foremost, I'm just grateful to be blessed by the man upstairs to be able to stand right here, in front of my house."
Several Santa Fe Construction students who helped build the house during the spring semester joined Washington and her family to watch the house be put into place. Plumbing students will now be installing important features like the septic tank and faucets.
"We look forward to more students getting the opportunity to do real work and build a house," said John Woeste, Alachua Habitat Board member.