Carthage Technical Center, Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity collaborating to rebuild home

In a collaborative effort, the students and leaders at the Carthage Technical Center have started rehabbing a home at 800 Clinton in Carthage that was significantly damaged by a fire.

Students are transforming a home for Magdalena, a homeowner who was struggling to find the resources to rebuild.  Magdalena approached Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity and, through an application process, was selected as a partner family.

Carthage Technical Center Director Gage Tiller says involvement with the project will benefit all of the students involved.

“Just being a part of something bigger than themselves I think is so important. “Tiller says.  “A lot of them will probably grow up in Carthage. This is a well-traveled street. Everyday for the rest of their lives, they’ll be able to drive by here and know they made a difference in this home.”

Tiller says the students’ active participation can been seen in their attitudes:

“We’ve done things like build sheds or tiny homes. But to truly be on the job site where they know they’re making a difference. It’s just been a total change in the students, in their passion, in their willingness to just jump right in and do whatever needs to be done next.”

Technical education is an integral part of the total education program and contributes toward the development of good citizens by upgrading their physical, social, civic, cultural, economic, and technical competencies.

Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.  Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity began in 1989 and has built 186 homes and made over 500 repairs for homeowners with housing needs.