For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 4, 2019

Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Whittier Tech Carpentry Students Build Habitat for Humanity Homes

Seniors Tyler Wetherbee, right, and Emily Wilson are members of a group of 12 Whittier carpentry students using their skills to help build homes with Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity this school year. (Courtesy Photo Whittier Tech)

HAVERHILL — For a group of senior Whittier Tech carpentry students, their work with Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity this year is far more than an opportunity to hone their trade– it’s also a way to give back to local families.

The 12 students, along with their Carpentry Instructor Mike Sandin, began working on three homes this September in Salisbury in partnership with Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that organizes volunteers to build affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Founded in 1985, Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. 

“It’s the best experience they can get,” said Sandin.

When students began their work, there was only a hole where the foundation would be for a duplex, and two partially constructed homes. Other volunteers are also working on the project, which broke ground in November 2018.

“It’s really amazing,” said Jared Recillas,18, of Haverhill. “I actually get to use a lot of the stuff I’ve been learning for the past three years.”

Once finished, economically disadvantaged area families will move in to the new residences.

“It’s a really good cause using our skills to help those who are struggling,” said Nick Glynn, 17, of Haverhill.

“This is who we are,” said Alanna Stafford, 18, of Haverhill. “We are Whittier Tech and we give back to our community.”

During their shop week, the seniors leave Whittier’s campus each day at approximately 8:30 a.m. and work in all type of weather conditions. This winter, if the group progresses far enough in their construction work, students may work inside hanging drywall and building partitions.

Whittier students who are participating in the project include: Seniors Killian Barry, Nicholas Glynn, Jared Recillas, Angel Alvarado, Angelica Cintron, Siarra Cronin, Jacob Goodhue, Cody Littlefield, Jyrell Ruiz, Alanna Stafford, Tyler Wetherbee and Emily Wilson, all of Haverhill. 

“This introduces us to the kind of jobs we are going to get in life,” Stafford said. “It’s everything we’ve been taught.”

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