Seminole Ridge students finish 9th Habitat for Humanity house; keys go to Glades grandmother

Over the past two years, Seminole Ridge High School students traded their pencils for hammers to build a new home for Belle Glade resident Mattie Moore and her 16-year-old granddaughter.

The high school’s construction academy has had a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach Countyfor the past 11 years, giving students the opportunity to get construction and electrical experience before they enter the workforce. The Moore home is the ninth house students helped build.

“They learn all the skills involved in home construction, electrical, plumbing, actual hammer and nail construction,” said Amy Mauser, chief development officer for the local Habitat for Humanity.

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Students participate in one build per year and can become Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certified in the process.

“This Habitat home dedication for the Moore family is extra special due to the amount of community support and funding it has received, and that ... the home was built by local students,” Mauser said in a press release.

Tara Okler, Habitat's chief operating officer, said building the Moore's home took longer than usual because of the pandemic.

What typically takes 12 to 18 months, took two years, Okler said. Last week, Habitat officials presented Moore with the keys to her new home.

“[The Moore family] showed persistence and perseverance throughout the process,” Mauser said. “They didn’t give up despite being notified of delays. Mattie continued to work hard and push toward her goal.”

Habitat partnered with multiple organizations and businesses, including At Home, BallenIsles Charitable Foundation, Carrier, TIAA and Winn-Dixie. The grocer also stocked Moore's pantry with groceries and, at the ceremony, gaveher a $300 gift card to the grocery store.

“This is like a dream come true,” Moore said.

Habitat for Humanity has built over 250 homes in Palm Beach County

Habitat has built over 250 homes for Palm Beach County residents over the past 35 years – 27 of those in the last five years. Mauser said the organization will begin building homes on the east side of the county, Lake Worth, and Riviera Beach soon.

According to Mauser, Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County has built 10 houses in the Glades – two are currently under construction, two are very close to being finished, and six have been handed off to families.

Mauser said that by the end of the organization’s fiscal year, on July 1, they will have completed seven homes in PBC.

“There is always an opportunity to do more,” Mauser said. “I hope you all consider joining us.”

People interested in volunteering at Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County can find more information at https://www.habitatpbc.org/volunteer.html

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Seminole Ridge High students build 9th Habitat for Humanity house