A Partnership to build a stronger community
On Oct. 3, 2017, new life began for Batey Road as Skagit Habitat for Humanity demolished three dilapidated houses in preparation to build four new affordable homes for Skagit County residents. Prior to the demolition, the houses, deemed blighted by the City of Sedro-Woolley, were used for training for the Sedro-Woolley Fire Department. Construction began on two of the four homes in the fall of 2018 and we will celebrate the dedication of two homes in early 2020. The future homeowners will purchase their homes through an affordable mortgage.
In an exciting new partnership – the second like it in Washington State – Skagit Habitat, the Sedro-Woolley School District, and the Northwest Career & Technical Academy (NCTA) will work together to help four families achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build better lives for themselves through permanent, affordable housing. Students and educators in the Geometry in Construction Program and NCTA skilled traits program will build alongside Skagit Habitat staff, volunteers, and future homeowners on the property purchased by Skagit Habitat in August 2016. High school students learn mathematics content and construction skills in the program which started during the 2017-2018 school year.
One of the Skagit Habitat families who will be living on Batey Road graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School and grew up seeing this property become increasingly run down. Knowing that the current high school students at their Alma Mater will help build their home makes this opportunity especially dear to them.
The Geometry in Construction education model began in Loveland, CO, in 2005. Across the United States in 2017, approximately 10 educational partnerships were participating in this type of program with students.
In these programs, students experience every facet of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) that will prepare them for success in our economy. It also provides them an opportunity to be altruistic and focus on being a changing force for their community.
