You might call it the modern-day version of a barn-raising.
The 2019 Community Build brings together groups like O.N.E. Change, the Saint John Land Bank and the Saint John Tool Library with the goal being to refurbish dilapidated homes.
96 Victoria Street in the old North end is the focus of their efforts this year.
The first event of this kind happened took place last year where volunteers and contractors who donated their home put around $20,000 into one home.
Brent Harris of the Saint John Tool Library says the building is now owned by the Saint John Land Bank and it needs a lot of work.
He says it’s not facing demolition yet but, it will if nothing changes.
“It’s sort of been left in this state. If it makes it to October, it would probably get on the schedule (for demolition). We’ll get in there in September and gut it and at least that will be able to push the date so it doesn’t hit the wrecking ball. And then they can put some plans in place to renovate it.” Harris said.
40 volunteers are needed to gut the building on the weekend of September 13, 14 and 15.
We are excited to be working with the SJ Land Bank and SJ Tool Library. (And others) in a plan to revitalize a home on…
Posted by The ONE Change Inc on Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Harris says they also need safety supplies like respirators and steel-toed shoes and financial donations to cover the landfill fees which he expects will range from $1000 to $1500.
“For me, every time you see a broken-down building, it poisons your imagination about where you live,” Harris said in an interview, “so when you see people rallying around a building, trying to salvage it and turn it into a home for somebody to live in the future and even better if they are actually involved.”
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