Cabinetry/Carpentry Students Help Woman Rebuild Home, Life

November 19, 2009: Columbus Technical College carpentry and cabinetmaking students on Wednesday got a chance to showcase their skills while helping a local woman at the same time. The students along with their instructors were able to design and install kitchen cabinets and countertops as well as the backsplash for a new home for longtime Columbus resident Rebecca Hubbard. Program manager and lead instructor, Gordon Unrein, had certificate and diploma students working together on this project. He calls this kind of opportunity a win-win for his students.

NeighborWorks students
(left to right) CTC Instructor Bob Allen, Thomas Lowther, James Pate, Chris Powers, Kenneth German, CTC Instructor/Program Manager Gordon Unrein and Brandon Sirard.

"They like anytime they can go out and get a task. This was great because they got to be involved from the drawing phase all the way to the installation work. It covered every area," Unrein said.

He added, "they're also excited because they get to help someone in our community."

Ms. Hubbard's home in Columbus was in horrible disrepair with sinking and rotten floors, corroded water pipes, no running water, exposed wiring and even termite damage. She was part of the NeighborWorks Columbus "Cottage Campaign" to provide new, quality homes for indigent senior citizens.

before picture

after picture
(Photos courtesy of NeighborWorks Columbus) Top: Ms. Hubbard's house was in such disrepair, it was literally falling apart around her. Bottom: Her new home is a quaint cottage that is almost move-in ready.

Rebecca Hubbard will get the keys to her new home at a ceremony on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 - just in time for the holidays! To learn more about the NeighborWorks Cottage Campaign effort and Ms. Hubbard herself, visit their website.