By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
Despite the freezing temperatures and cloudy skies, Riderwood’s Friends of Habitat for Humanity recently embarked on their first winter build day for the much anticipated Linganore Woods project in Silver Spring, near the Ericksonbuilt and -managed community.
“Our work is part of the Erickson philosophy,” says Friends volunteer Bill Johnston. “It’s putting our resources and abilities together to produce something that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Years of hard work
Habitat for Humanity’s Linganore Woods project includes the construction of 24 back-to-back, three level, three bedroom townhouses located less than ten miles from the community. Since July 2006, more than 80 dedicated members of the Friends of Habitat for Humanity have volunteered their time and talents to the construction of the first 12 homes.
The recent winter build day provided the first opportunity for these ambitious volunteers to help construct the final 12 townhomes in the project. It is anticipated that these homes will be completed by December.
“I love the folks at Riderwood,” says John Paukstis, executive director of the Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity. “They make a special contribution at the Linganore Woods project as volunteers.”
Productive day
“The excitement at Riderwood is great,” says Jessica Reid, Habitat’s volunteer and family services coordinator. “Not everyone wants to come out and work when the weather is cold, but that did not stop them.”
Throughout the winter work day, staff and residents teamed up to install outside Styrofoam insulation on the first and second floors of the townhouses. Climbing ladders and fitting the insulation around the windows and doorways tested the workmanship skills of every crew member.