Buddhist monks, friends, & Habitat for Humanity volunteers gather round 7 yr old Pinerod Mon to celebrate dedication of his new home
A Rensselaer County Habitat for Humanity house at 97 Ingalls Street in Troy was dedicated in June with a ceremony marking the completion of the organization’s latest project.
More than 50 people attended including members of the Habitat organization, volunteers who worked on the house, and two teachers from Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center, Joe Mix and Dan Ramirez, whose students participated in its construction.
Don Schlegel, the Habitat house supervisor on this project, explained what the students did.
Questar III students stand on porch of HFH home they helped build- L-R: Scott Gates, Chris Wescott, Nicole Fennelly, Habitat volunteer Scott Rokjer, Dan Zipken and Questar Teacher Joe Mix
“During the spring of 2010, approximately 20 students built the exterior and interior walls for the house in their shop at school, then hauled them over in a trailer and helped erect them in place. Last fall, they also installed plastic pipe, heating ducts and sheet rock.
“Their work was excellent and they helped us out tremendously,” Schlegel said. “Some were even there on a Saturday when we raised the trusses and laid the floor boards. For all their work, we say well done and thank you.”
Thirty people from the Burmese Buddhist community based in the City of Rensselaer also attended the dedication of the house that is now owned by one of their members, Ohnmar Mon, a single mother whose seven year old son Pinerod is a special needs child.
Habitat member Cindy Pohlmann described the proceedings. “Seven monks led the blessing of the house by offering prayers. Refreshments were then provided as well-wishers milled around. This dedication was a really big deal for their community,” Pohlmann said. “They greatly appreciated what Habitat did and the new homeowner just beamed.”
Schlegel explained how Habitat operates. “To qualify for a Habitat home, a homeowner must work full time and contribute 400 hours of sweat equity. A total of 60 people volunteered on this project from throughout the Capital Region,” he noted.
Pohlmann added, “Teachers from the boy’s school in Troy also helped build the house and were present for the dedication.”
Schlegel especially acknowledged Mix and Ramirez. “They spent many extra hours after school and on Saturdays helping us get the house finished,” he said. “Joe Mix was also instrumental in obtaining many donated products and services from various vendors for which we are very grateful.”
Future Habitat projects are being worked on at this time Schlegel said, and he hopes that Questar III will again take part. “”I would like to work with the students again. They really made a difference and we won’t forget that.”
The family moved in over the Fourth of July weekend. Mon, the proud homeowner, said, “This house means everything to me. It changes my life and my son’s future since he is handicapped and this is handicap accessible. Everyone who helped me is wonderful and welcome in my home.”
