'Sweat Equity' Earns Dual Meaning In House Build
350 Volunteers Construct Habitat House At Fairgrounds
Posted: 08/12/2010
Last Updated:
1016 days ago
A Habitat for Humanity home is being built at the Indiana State Fair and will be moved for a family in need in the coming weeks.The home is being constructed for Tamika Allen, a mother of five children, of Indianapolis, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.The term "sweat equity," which refers to the new homeowner's commitment in helping with the build, has a literal meaning this week. With temperatures in the 90s, all 350 volunteers and Allen are pouring a lot of sweat into the job.The house will be built in less than two weeks and will mean the world to Allen and her family."It's going to mean freedom and privacy and a home they can grow up in," she said.Most habitat homes are constructed on site, but this one was built on steel beams on the fairgrounds. It will later be moved to its permanent spot near 21st Street and College Avenue."It will actually roll off the truck and sit down, and then they'll take the steel beams out from under it," said Steve Shirley, construction superintendent.Allen has worked for Kroger for several years. Her co-workers, along with employees of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, pitched in Thursday as oppressive heat bore down."It's hot, definitely hot," said Brad Shaff, a Kroger employee. "(I'm) just drinking plenty of fluid."Indiana First Lady Cheri Daniels grabbed a paint brush and chipped in, too. Daniels said she hopes the project will spark in an interest in fairgoers."Hopefully, they'll walk by, see what's going on and maybe want to get involved in their own community," she said.Habitat for Humanity relies on assistance from numerous companies and organizations."They're great," Allen said. "Without them, it wouldn't be possible."Fair visitors can tour the home Friday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 22.