FVCC students to build a Habitat townhome

Students in the building trades program at Flathead Valley Community College will join Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley this fall to assist with construction of a townhome on Truck Route in Columbia Falls.

Now in its 18th year at the local community college, the building trades program carries a one-year Certificate of Applied Science or two-year Associate of Applied Science degree intended to prepare students for entry-level positions within the building trades field.

For the past few years, students have focused on producing and selling student built homes. Program coordinator Greg Waldrop said the change will offer students an opportunity to interact with Habitat for Humanity volunteers at the local and national levels.

“The students will be involved with their local community, homeowners and volunteers on a project that will bring them confidence, respect and skills in the construction industry,” Waldrop said.

Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes, by advocating for fair and just housing policies, and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions.

“We rely on the support of the community to build affordable homes,” executive director Christine Morris said. “What keeps them affordable is volunteer labor. The partnership with FVCC will allow us to build another home this year, and that’s a huge contribution to our community.”

Students enrolled in the program will be involved in all areas of residential construction. Habitat homes are built to the highest North West Energy Star Certification standards, providing FVCC students with the opportunity to learn the latest technology in building energy efficient homes.

Fall courses start Aug. 26. High school students may enroll in building trades courses for college credit through the Running Start program. For more information, call 756-3846 or 756-3942, visit online at www.fvcc.edu, or call Pete Wade at 756-3968 or Greg Waldrop at 249-6584.