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Homebuilding Project Done In Memory Of Suzie

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Volunteers rush to finish the Habitat For Humanity home in two weeks, instead of the usual 16 to 20 weeks.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 14, 2008

TAMPA - The sound of hammers on nails and saws through wood filled the air in Grant Park this week as Habitat Hillsborough volunteers worked to finish a house in 14 days.

The effort is called a Blitz Build, said Ralph Jackson, executive director for Hillsborough County Habitat for Humanity. The home is being built in memory of Suzie Hastings, the wife of a crew leader, who died from breast cancer in January.

Typically, a Habitat for Humanity home takes 16 to 20 weeks to complete when the volunteer crews are working only weekends. But this one, dubbed the "Suzie Q 'Blitz Build' House," will be finished in two weeks.

Work began Saturday on a previously poured concrete slab.

"We are compressing this into 14 straight days," Jackson said. On Saturday, 150 volunteers showed up to build the walls, he said.

Volunteers are from Citigroup and All State Homes, sponsors of the project, and Moffitt Cancer Center. A special Women Build day will take place Friday. Women who volunteered for that day have donated $25 to put into a fund that will go to Moffitt Cancer Center.

Keith Morelli

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