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Date: 11/29/2022
HOLYOKE – Community members, volunteers and local leaders gathered at a Chestnut Street build site on Nov. 18 for the “Behind the Build” event to celebrate the progress and partners who made the construction of a new, affordable, low-carbon concrete Holyoke home a reality.
Through the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity partnering with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Build with Strength Coalition, new types of affordable housing have been introduced to communities in the region and across the country. Using insulated concrete forms, the home’s framing is made with sustainable, noncombustible concrete building system that reduces upfront construction expenses while maximizing the structure’s durability and energy performance.
The soon to be fully constructed new home will be going to Holyoke resident Antonia – whose last name was not released to the press – and her four children as the family will be able to save long-term costs on utilities and insurance through the new home. Antonia is a single mother to three teenage daughters and a pre-teen son. The family are survivors of domestic abuse.
“We are very eager to settle into our new home. We appreciate all the volunteers who give up themselves, the sponsors, for Habitat for Humanity especially who put their heart and soul into every build, and you can see it when they work,” Antonia said. “They are my heroes. I wouldn’t be able to experience having a dream come true.”
The family has been living in an apartment with significant issues including poor insulation, sewage backups, mold in the basement, a leaky roof and being in an unsafe neighborhood. The apartment is just one of many the family has lived in through the years.
“It’s time for a change. I want to show my children it is possible to break the cycle of abuse and give back to the community that helped us escape our situation,” Antonia said.
The building technique of these new types of homes involves stacking foam panels on top one another in double rows. When the panel reaches a certain height, concreate is poured between the panels. The “concrete sandwich” results in a super-insulated and strong home.
Mayor Joshua Garcia was in attendance alongside City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos, members of Habitat for Humanity and volunteers of the project. Garcia said the city of Holyoke was pleased to be hosting the new energy-efficient, cost-efficient and moisture-resistant home.
“It’s the first of its kind in Holyoke…from what I’m told, [the home] is indestructible. And in fact, if the Big Bad Wolf ever came into town trying to blow this thing down, he better go home packing,” said Garcia. “We’re always pleased to work with Habitat because a home means hope and neighborhood revitalization. It means an affordable, decent place to live for historically under-served populations. It means safety and stability for children and aging in place for the elderly.”
Holyoke has recently already constructed two types of these houses that are located on the same corner where the new Chestnut Street home will be. The family had to participate in “sweat equity” hours in which they help with the base construction of the home and help on site with other volunteers.
“We are very excited to partner with the Build with Strength Coalition to promote insulated concrete form construction in our area, which allows us to build a more energy efficient, affordable home for our Habitat families,” said Executive Director of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity Aimee Giroux.
Students from Putnam Vocational were also in attendance as the program looks for youth to assist in the project through their school. Giroux mentioned during the event that Habitat for Humanity was looking into getting students from Dean Tech involved in a similar program.
Several National Ready Mixed Concrete Association members have donated and / or discounted materials to support this build including Integraspec, White Cap, Whirlpool, Baystate Concrete Pumping, Chicopee Concrete, Holyoke Housing Authority and more.
This project is part of a wider initiative between Build with Strength and Habitat for Humanity International to construct more than 50 sustainable concrete homes in 50 states over a five-year period. Since the initiative launched in February 2021, 47 homes have been constructed in 27 states.
Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity has built or repaired 123 homes in Hampden County since 1987. This project represents the first homes to utilize insulated concrete forms, which will further reduce long term costs for the future homeowners.