CHFS and Habitat for Humanity are a Successful Combination

Joliet, IL-  On Thursday, October 9^th, CHFS Trustees, staff and members met at Hero’s and Legends Sports Bar in Joliet, IL for the kick-off to the 2008 Habitat for Humanity build.  This year’s build was in partnership with Will County Habitat for Humanity in Joliet, IL. This year marked the 15^th build for CHFS and the 20-year anniversary for Will County Habitat for Humanity!  On Friday morning, approximately 65 CHFS staff and members assembled at the site to build a home for the Kirkwood family, a mother and her four sons. Francis Rehkemper from Breese, IL was the crew leader for the project and Helen Wuebbles led the kitchen crew preparing delicious food. This was the first house built by CHFS that included a basement. As one person described, “the site looked like it was filled with worker bees, everyone knew their job and they just went on their way and accomplished what they needed to do”.  On Saturday at 4:45 P.M., the last piece of trim was nailed to the house and the exterior was completed in a record time of just 15 hours!   Following the completion of the house, a mass was held.  Jim Rial, CHFS President, presented Barbara Birchler, Executive Director, Will County Habitat for Humanity, a check for $5000 to help with building costs.  Tiffany Kirkwood, the homeowner, gave a sincere thank you to everyone involved in building her not only a home, but a better life for her and her sons.  Dinner was served at the site, all tools were packed away and everyone headed home early Sunday morning.  Stay tuned for next year’s build on Columbus Day weekend and maybe you can come join us!