Employees take part in Habitat for Humanity “blitz”

Six Penn College employees were among the more than 150 volunteers who took part in a summer "Blitz Build," helping to build a Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity home in just two days on Scott Street in Williamsport.

It was the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate’s first ever “Blitz Build.” A Blitz Build is a high-energy, high-impact homebuilding event designed to accelerate construction through the collective efforts of local volunteers and experienced Habitat for Humanity builders from across the country.

The feat was accomplished with the help of volunteers from local businesses, faith organizations, corporate sponsors, friends and family of the home’s future owner, other Habitat partner homeowners, and a group known as the “Road Trip Crazies.” Founded in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1988, the group has traveled throughout the United States to help small Habitat affiliates construct more than 100 homes.

Penn College was a “roof raiser” sponsor for the Blitz Build, which secured spots for six college volunteers, most of whom are part of Penn College Workforce Development’s building performance team, participating to use their skills and knowledge to support healthy housing in the local community.

The Blitz Build supported Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity’s five-year strategic plan to construct 11 homes in Williamsport and South Williamsport by the end of 2027. The Scott Street home will be the the sixth home completed under the current strategic plan, including a home at 508 Fifth Ave. that was built with Penn College students in construction-related courses.

Penn College classes have contributed to Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity homebuilding projects since the local affiliate was established in 1989. The two organizations are set to partner on additional home builds in the near future.