Community Corner

Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build Brings Out Hundreds to Help

Nearly 1,000 volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County help to build two houses within a week.

Jailyn Riley never worked on a house before.

But that did not stop him from spending his day off of school helping to build a house so that his friend’s family might soon have one too.

“I came out to help people who need to be housed,” Riley said.

Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County labored in shifts Monday to get two homes built and ready to be moved into by the end of the week. It is called a Blitz Build. This one started Sunday and when the week is over about 1,000 volunteers will have helped, said Sue Hoffman, spokeswoman for the non profit. 

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Crews are working on 1843 and 1842 Fuller Street, part of a 51 home subdivision near Betty Lane and Sunset Point Road.

The sound of saws, hammers and boots walking on rooftops filled the normally quiet street just after lunchtime Monday.

Lindsey Schultz, 27, could not spend the Valentine’s Day with her significant other, so she came out to build a house.

“What’s not to love,” she said before climbing a ladder to the roof.

Riley, 17,  also worked Sunday. He spent his time putting up walls and windows to help others including his friend Christian Shaw.

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Shaw’s family is working toward their own Habitat for Humanity home in another area.

Habitat homeowners must put in 300 hours of "sweat equity" working on homes, Hoffman said.

Riley said he was having fun learning how to build a house and helping others including his friend.

 “It’s never bad to help the community," Riley said.

Want to help?

Register here to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas.


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