POWERGRAMS

7 In just one week, more than 1,500 volunteers and homebuilders from across Birmingham teamed up to provide affordable housing to 11 families during the 10th Annual Home Builders Blitz. The blitz was a joint effort between Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham, the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders and community sponsors, including Alabama Power. Local construction companies and homebuilders began work on May 1, utilizing volunteers and skilled laborers throughout the week to complete the houses by May 7. This year's blitz was in the Winchester Hills community, where Habitat has developed 42 lots. Homebuilders and Habitat worked together to organize the event, donations of building materials and fundraising. Habitat provides building plans for each house and sponsors donate meals throughout the week for volunteers. "Since our first Home Builders Blitz in 2006, our partnership with the local homebuilders and our community sponsors has made the dream of home ownership a reality for 86 families," said Charles Moore, Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity president and CEO. For Alabama Power, participating in the project was a team effort, led by Marketing Specialist Chad Garretson. Birmingham Division's Marketing department employees have volunteered each year since the blitz began in 2006. "Habitat is a great organization and this is a great way for us to not only give back to the community, but also strengthen relationships with the homebuilders, too," said Garretson, who has volunteered the past six years. Before work began on the houses, teams from Alabama Power Power Delivery laid the groundwork for electric service. On May 4, 18 volunteers from Birmingham Division helped build the house sponsored by Habitat for Humanity. Employees from Residential, Commercial and Industrial Marketing as well as Human Resources and Birmingham Division leadership painted the interior rooms, mounted wallboard and installed siding on the house. Power Delivery linemen led by Heath Ferguson set electric meters once the homes were completed. "It was a beautiful and productive day for myself and our Birmingham Division Marketing team," said Birmingham Division Vice President Bobbie Knight. "Working with our partners, we were able to help the Rodgers get one step closer to moving into their new home." The four-bedroom home belongs to the Rodgers family. Victor Rodgers and his wife, Tekisha, are Birmingham natives who have three children: KeShawn, 14, Angel, 7, and Victor Jr., 4. Victor works as a machine operator and Tekisha is an employee at Wal-Mart, who hopes to own a tax business. The family is active at Hopewell Baptist Church. "We will finally be stable and everyone will be able to have their own room," said Victor. "We will be in a better environment and don't have to worry about our living arrangements. We appreciate everything you've done for our family to make this possible." All 11 homes are energy efficient, meeting federal Energy Star standards. "Each home will be a part of our Superior Solutions program, which is an added value to the homes," said Garretson. Alabama Power provided dinner to all volunteers and homebuilders one evening during the blitz. "By providing a meal, you help us serve dozens and dozens of volunteers who don't have to go offsite for a meal. We can all eat together and go back to work. We appreciate you all a lot," said Moore. On May 7, the dedication ceremony and presentation of the keys honored all the new homeowners, who worked alongside volunteers providing "sweat equity" for their homes. Habitat for Humanity is among the top 10 largest builders in Birmingham. "After this year's blitz, the number of families served by blitz-builds goes up to 97. This accomplishment was only made possible by the generosity and support of the local homebuilders, contractors, sponsors and volunteers," said Moore. By Allison Westlake Employees help build Habitat house in Birmingham for 10th straight year 100% CONNECTED Birmingham Division had 18 volunteers helping build house for the Rodgers family. Garretson works at Habitat house. Photos by Christopher Jones

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