The ground has been broken and the walls have risen on Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity's 100th house. A recent ceremony at 287 Capen Street celebrated the efforts of Habitat for Humanity throughout the past fourteen years in Hartford. The site of six new single-family homes, the Capen Street development, will create a huge impact in Hartford's Northeast neighborhood.

The future homeowner of Hartford Habitat's 100th House is Yesinia Davila, an employee at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and the mother of two children. A self-described "go-getter," she doesn't like standing around. Within three weeks of becoming an approved prospective homeowner, Jessie had earned almost 30 sweat equity hours. Asked about her experience to date, Jessie said, "I like to be doing something all the time. I've learned how to install installation, and I'm beginning to learn something about roofing. It's been so much fun that I even bought my own tools and tool belt!"

Hartford Habitat's 100th house is sponsored by Carrier Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems for commercial, residential and transportation applications. Carrier is sponsoring the 100th house as part of its continuing celebration of the 100th anniversary of modern air conditioning invented by Dr. Willis Carrier and the company has already provided 100 volunteers for the project.

The project is also supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's SHOP Program and the City of Hartford's Appraisal Gap Program, funded through HUD's Community Development Block Grant Program.

If you are interested in learning more about Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity, call (860) 541-2208, ext. 255 or visit the http://www.hartfordhabitat.org website.

Content Archived: March 21, 2011