Appleton students help build affordable housing, learn skills
By: Donald Robinson
Updated: November 15, 2012
Appleton, Wis.(WFRV)--Appleton high school students are getting a fast track on a construction career.
It's all because of the work they're doing to build homes for low income families.
Students from Appleton North, East and West High Schools are building rental homes for low income residents, all thanks to a partnership with the Appleton Housing Authority.
Coleton Fischer is one of 14 students taking part. Fischer tells Local Five, "I signed up, I took Intro to Construction my sophomore year,and I decided to take this class my junior year."
The 3-bedroom ranch style home is more then 13-hundred square feet with a basement and two car garage.
Appleton North Senior Andrew Bennett, "I think its nice that you learn how your own house is built and what actually holds it up and what keeps you safe."
The project started at the beginning of the school year and is expected to be completed by May.
Students work with their teacher and local contractors.
Teacher Francis Dagesse, "The kids got the experience of pouring concrete, they worked with the crane operator and worked right alongside the heating contractors."
The construction part of this project is done by the guys. Other students will use their skills to make this house a home, picking out the trim colors and deciding on carpet, siding and paint colors.
Nine homes have been completed in the 6 years of the project.
Jennifer Bellile is a renter and says the opportunity to move in was wonderful.
"I was hoping for a place to live. I didn't think it would be anything this wonderful!"
...i didn't think it would be anything this wonderful!"
Each home costs about $159,000 to build. The Appleton Housing Authority needs donations to continue this successful project.
If you'd like to donate, and learn more, check out their website.
It's all because of the work they're doing to build homes for low income families.
Students from Appleton North, East and West High Schools are building rental homes for low income residents, all thanks to a partnership with the Appleton Housing Authority.
Coleton Fischer is one of 14 students taking part. Fischer tells Local Five, "I signed up, I took Intro to Construction my sophomore year,and I decided to take this class my junior year."
The 3-bedroom ranch style home is more then 13-hundred square feet with a basement and two car garage.
Appleton North Senior Andrew Bennett, "I think its nice that you learn how your own house is built and what actually holds it up and what keeps you safe."
The project started at the beginning of the school year and is expected to be completed by May.
Students work with their teacher and local contractors.
Teacher Francis Dagesse, "The kids got the experience of pouring concrete, they worked with the crane operator and worked right alongside the heating contractors."
The construction part of this project is done by the guys. Other students will use their skills to make this house a home, picking out the trim colors and deciding on carpet, siding and paint colors.
Nine homes have been completed in the 6 years of the project.
Jennifer Bellile is a renter and says the opportunity to move in was wonderful.
"I was hoping for a place to live. I didn't think it would be anything this wonderful!"
...i didn't think it would be anything this wonderful!"
Each home costs about $159,000 to build. The Appleton Housing Authority needs donations to continue this successful project.
If you'd like to donate, and learn more, check out their website.
