Connecticut Homebuilders Meet Challenge and Change Lives
Section: Community

On the fifth day of the Blitz, the houses were complete with landscaping and signage awaiting the proud new homeowner families

Michael Guthrie (on right), new homeowner, joins his family and mentor, to express his gratitude to Chris Nelson (left)

Nine Connecticut homebuilders met the challenge of constructing six Habitat for Humanity homes in just five days during a record event called the Home Builders Blitz. The Blitz was held June 5 through June 9 where 1,000 homebuilders joined forces nationwide to make the dream of homeownership a reality for more than 1,000 families. This effort yielded the largest single contribution to affordable housing in U.S. history.

“I was ready to help affect the lives of a family, but what I wasn’t ready for is how my life got affected,” said Bill Ferrigno of Sunlight Construction at the dedication, which celebrated the successful completion of the Habitat homes.

Each of the builders talked about their experience with the Blitz, most describing it as moving, to about 200 people at the dedication ceremony. Dignitaries, project partners and NBC 30, media partner, as well as the six new homeowner families were all in attendance.

Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, the only CT affiliate to participate in the Blitz, presented each family with the key to their new home along with a Bible and toolkit.

“I have never seen a spirit of cooperation like this in my life,” said Mark Stidsen of Landsen Construction Corporation. He talked about the enormity of the week’s task and how so many people worked together in extraordinary ways to make it happen.
Other participating homebuilders included C. Nelson Construction of Manchester, Ed Draghi Construction, Maric Associates, Inc., and F.N. Builders along with Landsen Construction comprised the Glastonbury Team, and Santini Homes of Vernon Rockville, T&M Building of Ellington, and A. Milo Builders of Southington.

Chris Nelson took the lead in helping to recruit the Blitz builders. When asked why he stepped up, he said, “I like affordable housing. I always thought I would be more satisfied building affordable housing, and we are always looking for ways to blend our business. Anything we can do that is really good, I like to take the opportunity. Also it is a heck of a challenge and a whole lot of fun.”

The builders constructed the six homes in New Britain on a 60,000 square foot parcel of land on the corner of Oak and Putnam Streets. Each of the homes is ranch style and 1,100 square feet with three bedrooms and a full basement.

Hundreds of project partners donated labor and materials with major funding from Stanley Works and American Savings Foundation. Tilcon donated the concrete for all six homes. Purinton Builders of East Granby, concrete contractors, donated their labor, and Modern Concrete of Newington donated the pumping service.

“Tilcon has been a long-time partner of Habitat for Humanity and this was an opportunity right in our backyard to expand our commitment in an exciting and significant community event,” said Tilcon’s President Rick Mergens.

Owner Patrick O’halloran of Talcott Mountain Materials of West Hartford donated the insulation for two of the houses. He said during the Blitz, “The team is really working together. The environment is just conducive to helping each other out. There is definitely a positive vibe here.”

When asked if he thought the Blitz had a competitive spirit, he said, “It’s very competitive. Who wants to be the last house done?”

The builders fared well and completed their houses at about the same rate even prevailing over monsoon like rain on the third day. By then the houses were framed and roofed so the rest of the construction was all inside. And by day five, what remained were just the finishing touches.

But the rain wasn’t the biggest challenge according to Nelson who said that the site work was the most difficult part of it all.

“A few years ago some buildings were demolished so there was a variety of unsuitable material on-site such as old foundations. We didn’t realize it until we started to see some settling. And combined with the older inner city sewer lines, the site work was a challenge.”

Although these obstacles existed, the Blitz teams worked through them to completion, which was marked by joy and tears at the dedication from both the builders and new homeowner families.

Michael Guthrie of the Guthrie family expressed his gratitude toward his builder partner, Chris Nelson and all involved.

“This has been a life-changing situation. I’ve been holding back these tears all week. I’ll take a Habitat house any day over a two million dollar ranch.”