Experienced tradies needed for city rebuild

Christchurch Central City Recovery Plan Blueprint - Illustrative concept of The Square

Free accommodation is on offer for experienced tradespeople who would like to help Habitat for Humanity build 21 simple decent homes for deserving Christchurch families.

Habitat Christchurch general manager Peter Taylor said the charity had committed to building 21 homes this year for families currently living in substandard accommodation.

"Twelve of these are nearly completed, but we urgently need help from experienced tradespeople to get the additional work done," he said.

"Because of the nature of the work, we'd really appreciate the offer of help from tradespeople with experience, who could do the work and possibly supervise volunteers working on the homes. We have fully furnished accommodation available for them to stay in for free, for as long as they'd like to.

"The families who will move in to the homes also help to build them, as part of the Habitat assisted home ownership programme. It's a hand-up, not a hand-out, and being part of the building process is a once in a lifetime experience to make a solid difference for Christchurch families in the ongoing recovery from the Canterbury earthquakes."

Mr Taylor said the build sites are in the east Christchurch suburbs of Bromley, Avonside and Linwood.

The Habitat assisted home-ownership programme is available for low-income families.

"There are many cases of health issues, particularly respiratory disorders, among these families. None could ever have purchased a home without assistance."

People interested in joining the build should contact Habitat for Humanity Christchurch project coordinator Julie Inglis, julie.inglis@habitatchch.org.nz, phone 03 420 4342.

Habitat for Humanity (Christchurch) Ltd is a supplier of housing for families that would otherwise be unable to afford a home. Habitat has 26 homes in the Christchurch area either occupied or under construction.