• Article Photo. Lexus, Nick, Tylilla, Morgan, and Gilbert construct stud walls for the basement of a house.
    Lexus, Nick, Tylilla, Morgan, and Gilbert construct stud walls for the basement of a house.
  • Article Photo. Lexus Hunt installs the subfloor of a house.
    Lexus Hunt installs the subfloor of a house.

By Kelli Beavers

AmeriCorps NCCC team Cedar 6 is serving with Habitat for Humanity Omaha (HFHO) from August 9 to September 27.

Cedar 6 is assisting with house construction, the HFHO ReStore, and the preparation for the Framing Frenzy, a week-long event held by HFHO. The Framing Frenzy will consist of hundreds of volunteers framing eight houses in seven days. In order for the framing to be done, the beginning stages of construction must be completed.

Cedar 6 has been helping with framing basement walls, placing pre-constructed first floor walls, sheeting walls and installing foam board, base plates, subfloor, and trusses. The team spends every Tuesday with Habitat for Humanity ReStore. On these days, the team sorts furniture in the warehouse and organizes items for sale in the store. Cedar 6 also assists with landscaping at houses newly acquired by Habitat for Humanity.

Cedar 6 is volunteering their free time with local non-profit organizations such as Siena Francis Homeless Shelter, Food for the Heartland, Salvation Army, and Town and Country Humane Society.

Cedar 6 is helping HFHO work toward a solution to the city’s housing problems. HFHO’s target area has a vacancy rate of over 15%. Vacancy invites crime, property damage, litter, overgrowth, and negative energy. The most affordable houses in the city are in the worst shape, causing a shortage of housing for low-income residents. HFHO aims to provide the most affordable, up to standard housing for these families through zero interest mortgages and volunteer labor.