LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers to build houses for first-time homeowners. While the coronavirus pandemic has kept these volunteers from build sites, a Louisville construction company is making sure the organization can continue to help those in need.
If you've never heard of Whittenberg Construction, you've definitely seen the company's work throughout Louisville. Whittenberg has helped build and renovate more than 30 local landmarks including the Kentucky Center for the Arts, the Galt House and Cardinal Stadium. The company has also worked on several hotels, hospitals and parking garages that we use every day.
Whittenberg Construction also has a heart for the community of Louisville and helping those in need. Crews are currently on week 3 of building houses for Habitat for Humanity. They have 5 professionals working to build 4 to 5 houses – the same amount of work that would normally take around 20 volunteers.
“We're not just writing a check, we're actually volunteering and working,” said Andy Mays, Whittenberg Construction President.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build or improve their homes. Habitat homeowners work alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and Whittenberg Construction shares that vision.
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“They're good hardworking people that just didn't end up with the same opportunities as a lot of the rest of us and it's their dream to have a safe, decent place for their family to live,” said Tom Young, VP of Whittenberg Construction. “To be able to help them achieve that, it's a great sense of fulfillment for all the guys working out there.”
Habitat for Humanity leaders put the plans together and pull the permits. Then, Whittenberg crews take it from there, building wall panels, roofs and more.
“It's a very unusual time and our hope is that by helping people out the community will be stronger when we come out of this,” Young said.
Whittenberg Construction has been helping its neighbors for the last 20 years, so it just made sense to help Habitat for Humanity and its mission. The company has helped build around 40 houses over the years.
“I've been to one of the ribbon cuttings and it is hard to describe how good that feels to see someone walking into their home for the first time. It's quite a great feeling,” Mays said.
While Habitat for Humanity isn’t accepting volunteers due to the pandemic, you can still donate money to help with future projects. You can learn more on the Habitat for Humanity website.
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