Habitat for Humanity-Spokane’s Blitz Build event is coming back to Deer Park’s Hope Meadows, August 3-14, but they need volunteers and sponsors to step up and help maximize their efforts amidst pandemic restrictions.
Blitz Build, Habitat-Spokane’s annual two-week accelerated build event, was originally scheduled for the beginning of June in West Central, but will now take place August 3-14 in Hope Meadows – Habitat’s vibrant housing community in Deer Park. Since 2002, Blitz Build has brought out thousands of volunteers and community sponsors every year; however, things are going to look a lot different this time as they navigate new rules and restrictions due to Covid-19. So why continue with the event at all?
Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on the community coming together to help build safe and decent houses for partnering families that are working through the Homeownership Program. Habitat provides the opportunity for these families to build a better life for themselves through affordable homeownership. But volunteer and community groups have not been able to gather during the last few months due to the pandemic, which has greatly impacted Habitat’s ability to build fast enough to keep up with the overwhelming critical need.
There is a shortage of affordable homeownership opportunities in Spokane. Over 92 families have applied to Habitat’s Homeownership Program since January – a 300% increase from last year – and that number is only expected to rise as the impact of Covid-19 continues to affect the community.
Blitz Build must go on, and to maximize their building efforts in the midst of the pandemic, Habitat-Spokane is calling on volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders to participate by coming out to build two brand new, affordable houses in their Deer Park community. This job site has the special capacity to allow for more volunteers, while also maintaining a safe distance (only 10 volunteers will be allowed per house, per shift). All of the mandatory personal protective equipment required by OSHA will be provided by Habitat-Spokane to anyone that comes out to build with them.
The enthusiasm and energy of participants at Blitz Build will jumpstart Habitat-Spokane’s construction efforts, and bring the community back together to build affordable housing, community, and hope. New pandemic restrictions might diminish their typical volunteer involvement for this event, but Habitat-Spokane is confident that working on two houses simultaneously will counter the lower number of helping hands. They are also hoping this will bring more people out during the summer months to help them build more houses for all of the families in need of a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are greatly needed for Blitz Build, but are limited this year due to Covid-19. Sign up by visiting Habitat-spokane.org/blitz-build-2020 or by calling (509) 534-2552.
