EXTON, PA — The future of housing shines bright, as evidenced by the creativity and innovation displayed at the 21st Annual Build a House…Build a Dream contest, hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Chester County. This unique competition, proudly supported by Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, brought together 88 fifth-grade students from 17 local elementary schools, raising over $15,000 to aid Habitat’s homebuilding programs for middle- and low-income families in the Delaware Valley.
The event, which has become a cornerstone of community engagement and awareness for affordable housing issues, challenges students to design and construct three-dimensional model dream homes. Judging criteria include originality and creativity, use of materials, appearance and design, and independent effort. This year, more than 20 professional architects, engineers, builders, and designers from across the region volunteered their expertise to evaluate the submissions.
Adding to the excitement, the 2024 contest introduced the Saint-Gobain Sustainability Award, honoring a project that exemplified innovative sustainable building practices. “This event not only raises funds for a critical cause but also educates our young participants about the importance of affordable housing and sustainability in construction,” said Kassie Erb, president at Fox & Roach/Trident Charities. “We are thrilled to continue our founding sponsorship of this inspiring initiative.”
Since its inception in 2002, the Build a House…Build a Dream contest has engaged over 6,000 fifth-grade students from more than 750 area schools, collectively raising more than $745,000 through sponsorships to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission. This year’s winners included Joel Seaman of Penn Wood Elementary taking first place, with Fiona Brown (homeschool) and Xavier Hanket (Garnet Valley Elementary) securing the second and third places, respectively. Brooks Midkiff won the Saint-Gobain Sustainability Award, while Jase Rewkowski (homeschool) was voted Fan Favorite.
Chris Wiseman, executive director at Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the broader impact of the event. “Each year, this contest brings to light the pressing issue of affordable housing in our communities and the need for ongoing support and solutions,” he stated. “We are immensely grateful for the continued partnership with Fox & Roach/Trident Charities and the difference it makes in the lives of those we serve.”
The event, emceed by NBC10 Reporter Katy Zachry, was held at the Church Farm School in Exton, PA, with additional support from local businesses and organizations, including Eadeh Enterprises, Saint-Gobain, RKL, Martin Architectural, CertainTeed, Gardner/Fox, and Church Farm School. As the community came together to celebrate the innovative ideas of its youngest members, the enduring commitment to addressing affordable housing challenges remains clear, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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