2006 Home Builders Blitz

The Builders Blitz program in Habitat began in 2002 in Wake County, NC, when local custom home builder, Tom Gipson, partnered with Habitat of Wake County to recruit 12 professional home builders to build one house each in a five-day period, donating as much of the materials as possible. Many Habitat affiliates have done their own Blitz house builders since, but the 2006 Home Builders Blitz from June 5-9, 2006 was Habitat's first nationwide Blitz and Habitat's largest build project. In those five days, Habitat affiliates and professional builders across the country completed over 450 simple, decent and affordable homes.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh first approached the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley about this project in the winter of 2005. We knew that this event would significantly enhance our building capacity and help make a great impact on affordable housing in the City of Newburgh. What we did not anticipate was the overwhelmingly generous response that we received from the Builders Association members.

Over 70 companies rose to the challenge, providing nearly all of the labor and materials needed to construct these homes in 5 days. By itself, the construction of these two homes in such a short time was an amazing feat, but even more remarkable was the upbeat spirit and unforgettable dedication that was felt on site. Even despite torrential rain on Wednesday, June 7th, professional contractors and volunteers alike working diligently and with smiles on their faces, knowing that they were part of something extraordinary.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh would like to recognize the many people who made this possible, but in particular, the sponsoring companies.

The Blitz in Newburgh was unique in many ways. First, the homes were designed to fit into the historic Newburgh neighborhood, while remaining simple and affordable, thanks to local architect Mike McCormack from Liscum McCormack VanVoorhis. Also, unlike other blitz houses, these homes are two-story, making this accomplishment twice as remarkable. The homes were built in the City of Newburgh, a city that is unique in itself — ranked as the 4th most distressed urban area in America.

"It's incredible, I'm so proud of what all our volunteers have been able to accomplish," said Jerry Casesa, president of the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley and of EBA Inc, one of the partnering builders.