Faculty and students from Durham College’s (DC) Construction Carpentry – Sustainable program are excited to share the news that the first four families moved into their newly constructed homes at Centre Towne, a project in development with Habitat for Humanity in Oshawa, last week, just in time for the holidays.

DC and Habitat for Humanity have been working together since 2012 to build affordable housing for families in need within the community at 372 Centre St. S. in Oshawa. DC students have been on site from day one, with volunteer work being matched to course learning outcomes to benefit both students and the community.

“We were able to assist in framing with the first phase of construction, from the still plate, to the last piece of plywood on the roof,” said Don Fishley, professor and program co-ordinator for the Construction Carpentry – Sustainable program. “This past semester, our second-year students framed the garages on the front of the new six-plex building, and installed sheathing, SM board and Tyvex. We were also the crew that started the vinyl siding, soffit and fascia boards.”

The families were selected from a host of applicants who not only provided strong reasoning for their need but also committed approximately 500 hours of volunteer work in the construction of the homes.

With the first phase complete, Fishley, along with the college, looks forward to continue supporting Habitat for Humanity over the next four to five years as Centre Towne continues to grow.