Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1259963
SiG MT 65 meanwhile, handles business operations, including financing the construction, hiring subcontractors, and providing the lot and floor plans. e finished homes provide quality, affordable housing for residents of modest means while giving students hands-on experience. "It's a gateway to the trades—carpenters, electricians, plumbers," says Pace. "And it's great for college-bound kids, too. Shop classes build focus and concentration in kids, and that bleeds into other areas as well." For some, the experience is profound, says Pace. "I work with a lot of kids in poverty. e skills they learn can propel a kid into middle class, into a good job. It can be life changing." BUILD YOUR OWN NeighborWorks also changes lives of families. Tiffany Long originally went to NWGF for help with a house down payment. Aer aending a homebuyers' education program in 2010, she enrolled in the Owner Built Home program in which 10 families work together to build 10 new homes that they eventually own. "Our group was given one year to complete 10 homes. Nobody could move in until everyone's house was done," Long says. Like the students working on High School House, participants of the Owner Built Home program provide the sweat equity. "NeighborWorks provided supplies, supervision, and training. ey bid out the plumbing, roofing, and electrical work, but we did the framing, insulation, siding, and finishing work," she says. "And you don't need experience," she continues. "I had none, outside of high school shop class." Yet Long "got to drive the Bobcat, switching from bucket to forkli" and operated the saw. Her work touched all of those houses. "I drilled anchor bolts for every single home and cut every piece of framing" she says. "Our overall goal is improving the community, making neighborhoods safer, and engaging residents." High School House gives Great Falls students a "Gateway to the Trades." Merriwether Crossing, the newest Owner Built Homes development, comprises 83 residential lots on over 20 acres. "Shop classes build focus and concentration in kids, and that bleeds into other areas as well."