Day 4 – 9.12.09
I think today could be considered an extreme day at the build site. First of all, our volunteers worked so hard and put us so far ahead of schedule we had drywall delivered at 3 a.m.! Secondly, by mid-day, all units had drywall installed and most had at least 3 coats of joint compound.
From here, it’s pretty smooth sailing. It’s hard to believe that four days in we’re already this far into the project. Could nine homes be completed in less than nine days? I think it just might happen!
Day 3 – 9.11.09
It seems fitting that the 9 Homes in 9 Days project falls on the National Day of Service and Remembrance, a time to think about the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and give back to our community.
About 100 contractors showed up to setup air conditioning, heating, internet and plumbing in the townhomes. Competing companies worked side-by-side to give nine families new homes. DMACC and Dowling students handed out water and restaurants donated meals to hungry crews. Generous volunteers were a bright spot on a dark day in our nation’s history.
Eight years ago, Americans pulled together to revive New York and Washington, D.C. Today, the Des Moines community pulled together to give nine families a fresh start.
Day Two 9.10.09
by Rick Tollakson
Well, we were lucky to have another great day weather-wise, and our crews kept their excitement and energy up today and completed all the framing and trussing today. The sun did get hot, but that didn’t discourage anyone from getting the job done. By the time the sun started going down, good progress on roof tiles was made – a project to take our volunteers into the night.
I spent part of my day being reminded that I’ve worked with Hubbell Realty for 25 years, which means I’ve known some of these people for just about that long. This is about more than just working together – our contractors, suppliers, every team member – they are family and building these homes for families who needs them is a perfect project for us to work on together.
By tomorrow, we’ll have the majority of the exteriors done – they houses will actually look like houses! And if it does rain tomorrow like the forecast says it will, we’ll be ready for inside work and some quick re-schedule will keep us right on track. Two days down, seven to go!
Day 1 – 09.09.09
by Rick Tollakson
What a great day to start construction! Blue skies, bright sun and reasonable temperatures kept our volunteers moving quickly throughout the day.
But it all had to start with a rally – we had hundreds of volunteers and some very important people in our midst as we marched down 21st street with the VFW and Drake Cheerleaders leading the way. As Sister Stella from Anawim housing and I walked up to the stage where First Lady Mari Culver, Mayor Frank Cownie, Polk County Supervisor Angela Connelly and Anwim Board Member Kurt Rasmussen stood, we knew this was just the beginning for big things with this project.
After some words from each of our dignitaries, Sister Stella talked about the time capsule that is going to get buried at the site as a reminder of all the organizations that came together to make this build happen. I know I keep saying this, but without the 200-plus companies that are donating their time, talents and products, this would not be happening. It truly is life changing.
Then it was my turn for the “braveheart” speech. Time to get those troops rallied and ready to move – and move they did. At approximately 9 a.m., the first piece of frame was put into place and a frenzy of action began. Hammers, nails, cranes and trucks were working fast. So fast, that by the end of the day today, we’re a few hours ahead of schedule.
So today’s construction update is that framing is just about complete. We are 100% on schedule and if the sky is just as beautiful the next 8 days as it was today, we’ll be right on track.
