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ConstructConnect partnered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Hanley Wood Media and industry volunteers to revitalize the Jacquelyn House at the Santa Maria Hostel in Houston, Texas as part of AEC Cares’ eighth annual “blitz build.”
“ConstructConnect, along with the AIA and Hanley Wood Media, is proud of the contribution that AEC Cares made on October 5 at the Santa Maria Hostel women’s shelter. As these women recover from addiction, trafficking, and other trauma, Santa Maria becomes their home,” said Laura Marlow, ConstructConnect vice president of strategic partnerships and AEC Cares executive director.
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
The Santa Maria Hostel is the largest multi-site residential and outpatient treatment center in Texas and has been serving the community since the 1950s. It provides an array of treatment programs and recovery services as part of its mission to “empower women and their families to lead healthy, productive and self-fulfilling lives.” Last year alone, Santa Maria provided services to 4,640 women and children.
Affectionately known as “projectHouston,” the renovation project was valued at more than $300,000 and included a generous amount of donated materials and volunteer time, including refurbishing the dining room and two group counseling rooms at Jacquelyn House.
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
Volunteers also landscaped the outdoor green space and playground area and installed new playground equipment and a shade sail. In addition, the project’s design team contributed over 320 hours towards the planning and design of Santa Maria’s renovation. The design team was led by Kirksey Architecture and included LKB Architecture, Rivers Barden Architects, Powers Brown Architecture, Terralab Landscape Architects and Harvey Builders.
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
With the help of more than 30 corporate sponsors, including USG, YKK AP, On Center Software, The Vinyl Institute and Andersen, AEC Cares’ volunteers completed projectHouston on time using a record amount of building products:
- 55 gallons of paint
- 3,600 square feet of flooring provided by Mohawk and installed by Architectural Flooring
- 2,000 cubic feet of mulch for landscaping and the playground area
Additionally, besides being a platinum sponsor, On Center Software had nearly 50 volunteers who pitched in to work the blitz build on a hot, muggy day with temperatures reaching into the 90s.
Comments from partners:
“USG appreciates AEC Cares’ commitment to these projects and we thank you for bringing our industry together for these very important and worthwhile initiatives. The volunteers were amazed by what we could accomplish in one day when we all joined forces toward a common, worthwhile goal. We found the experience to be very rewarding and look forward to next year.” - Suzanne Dissette, Regional Manager, Architectural Sales – Southern US, USG
“We’re thrilled that, through the teamwork of an amazing pro bono design team, 150+ volunteers, and generous sponsors, we were able to improve interior and exterior spaces, and have a positive impact on the lives of women in recovery. We believe that everyone deserves good design and a helping hand,” - Catherine Callaway, AIA, Senior Associate at Kirksey Architecture and the leader of the pro bono design team.
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
“I could not be prouder of the ConstructConnect team, the many volunteers who participated, and the sponsors who support this important work year after year. Over 150 hardworking volunteers came together on October 5 and made a difference in the lives of women and children who need a helping hand. By renovating the Santa Maria Hostel, we invested in the Houston community in a positive and caring way.” - Dave Conway, CEO of ConstructConnect and President of the Board of Directors, AEC Cares
“I am just amazed at what was accomplished on Oct. 5. Our facility has been truly transformed, and I know it is going to make such a positive impact on the women we serve. Thank you to everyone for your hard work and for going above and beyond in so many ways.” - Nadine Scamp, CEO of Santa Maria Hostel
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
Photo Credit: Sheryl Lochridge – Your Best Shot
You can check out all the photos from the projectHouston blitz build here. Learn more about AEC Cares here.
