Oakland mayor Jean Quan, state senator Loni Hancock, and others spoke about the improvements in the area, not just the new Habitat homes, but the surrounding affordable apartments, nearby schools and the brand-new East Oakland library. The public housing project that used to be where the Tassafaronga development now stands was in terrible shape, and a magnet for crime. Now there are clean, comfortable apartments and homes.
After the speeches, we separated to the individual homes for the dedication ceremonies. For each Habitat dedication, the new homeowners receive a hammer, symbolizing the hard work the family and volunteers have put into the new home, keys to the new home, and a book of faith.
After that, the homes were open for tours, including one that highlighted the various green features of the new homes. They're GreenPoint-rated, Energy Star certified, and in the process of being LEED-rated. Not only do green homes use less energy to build and live in, but they're healthier for the occupants, too. (Read more about Habitat East Bay's green building.)
Thanks to all who turned out to see the Lei/Yu family and others receive the keys to their new homes, and congratulations to all the proud new homeowners! And of course thank you to Thrivent Builds for sponsoring the house, and to all the volunteers who helped build it.
For more pictures, click below:
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| Habitat 2011 Kinsell dedication |
