March 17, 2008 - Geneva College
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March 17, 2008

Picture of March 17, 2008

Geneva College will once again participate in a Blitz Build in Beaver Falls on March 17-21. This Blitz Build is a project of the Beaver Falls Housing Coalition, coordinated by Tiger Pause and Hosanna Industries. The project will construct three low-mortgage homes in five days in Beaver Falls for low-income families who would otherwise not be able to afford a home.

The first home built by the Beaver Falls Housing Coalition was constructed this past summer. The three new homes will be built on Second Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets in Beaver Falls, next to the first home. These Blitz Build houses are the first single family, privately-owned homes to be built in downtown Beaver Falls in 25 years.

The families who receive these houses must apply to Hosanna Industries and have good credit to qualify for a mortgage. The homes come with a responsibility: the families who get these houses are expected to assume a mortgage of approximately $40,000.

Hosanna Industries then works with the families in homeownership counseling to help them maintain mortgage payments. According to Jack White, president emeritus and spokesman for the Beaver Housing Coalition, this project is so crucial because it provides homes for low-income families who hold jobs and exemplify good standards to the community.

Several organizations and companies are participating, volunteering, or providing materials for this construction project. The Beaver Initiative for Growth (B.I.G) has purchased and given the property to Hosanna Industries and Tiger Pause, the local organizations overseeing the Blitz Build project. Homer Nine, Widmer Engineering, McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies have all contributed materials to the construction of this project. In addition, many churches from western Pennsylvania to western Ohio are volunteering time and manpower to complete the homes.

In February, several members of Geneva′s football team helped load the pre-built walls for transportation to the site, while other Geneva students helped with efforts to build the foundation of these homes. Also, several faculty and staff from Geneva have volunteered to help build these homes on-location on March 17 and March 18.

"It′s Geneva contributing to the community in a powerful way," says White. "These homes are simply and modestly done, with siding, ceramic tiling, and modern appliances. Nevertheless, this is a home for three families who otherwise would not have been able to own their own home." The homes are expected to be completed by Friday, March 21 at 12 noon.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).

Mar 17, 2008