West Valley Lends Helping Hands Towards Affordable Homeownership

West Valley Demonstration Project team members and members of their families stand in front of a new house being built for a family in need. The dwelling is part of Habitat for Humanity Buffalo's mission to provide affordable homeownership to low-income families in Buffalo's surrounding area. From left: Joseph Pillittere, Neil Armknecht, Michelle Schweickert, Darren Boone, Elizabeth Lowes, Kevin Murray, Dave Malecki, Rob Davis, Kyler Casper, Jason Casper, Keith Koralewski, Tom Dogal, Dave Loop, Peggy Loop, Ethan Martinet and Dustee Martinet.

WEST VALLEY, N.Y. - Volunteers from the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) recently worked with Habitat for Humanity Buffalo to build a new house in downtown Buffalo, New York.

"Volunteers help provide the light at the end of the tunnel many families don't think is possible when it comes to having a safe home," said DJ Manou, volunteer manager with Habitat for Humanity Buffalo. "Your help building these homes allows us to make that a reality."

On a day off from work at WVDP, employees with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) and cleanup contractor CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) rolled up their sleeves to help install hurricane straps and build roof gables for the new three-bedroom house.

"Today's success speaks volumes to the generosity and kindness of our employees," said Robert Davis, WVDP administrative officer. "This clearly demonstrates the commitment our employees have for their community and the positive impact that kindness can have on a community."

Over the years, EM and CHBWV employees at WVDP have helped people in need, including Day of Caring activities, annual food drives, Toys For Tots campaigns and volunteer opportunities with other nonprofit organizations.

Ask CHBWV President and General Manager Jason Casper about volunteering, and he'll tell you it's all about helping people and building communities.

"It is a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of an event that makes a difference in our community," Casper said. "I am also grateful that our employees, who work hard all week, would give a day's worth of their free time for such a worthy cause."

For more than 30 years, Habitat for Humanity Buffalo has worked to build strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership. Established by volunteers concerned about the lack of affordable homes in Buffalo, the organization has constructed more than 300 houses in the city. Nearly two-thirds of its projects have taken place at houses donated to the organization or purchased at a low cost.

-Contributor: Joseph Pillittere