Group gets crash course in homebuilding, sweat equity in preparing house for young North Knox family
BUILDING UP THE CHURCH Frassati Fellowship builders included, left to right, Cozette Sanders, Caleb Scroback, Alvin Manabat, Angela Strong, Elijah Martin, Mariclair Tan, and Andrew Giminaro. Photo by Stephanie Richer
School was back in session for several Frassati Fellowship members Aug. 23 as the young adults received a crash course in homebuilding and sweat equity during a Habitat for Humanity project.
The Frassati members didn’t let the steamy dog days of summer deter them from hammering, caulking, wielding a nail gun … or sweating as they worked to create a new home for Jennifer Paul, who contributed her own sweat equity in renovating a craftsman style home in North Knoxville.
“We are ready to make this house a home,” she said, one that she will share with her son, Javon, who is in kindergarten. “I appreciate everyone out here helping us out.”
The Frassati builders included Cozette Sanders, Angela Strong, Mariclair Tan, Alvin Manabat, Andrew Giminaro, Elijah Martin, and Caleb Scroback. They installed cabinetry, baseboards, and molding under the guidance of skilled builders with Habitat for Humanity.
“Well, you know, Jesus said, ‘Faith without works is dead,’” said Dr. Martin, leader of the Frassati Fellowship. “So today, we are doing good works for other people, and so we are enriching our faith by spreading the love of Christ.”
He noted that although she could not be present, Jess Mearns was the member who arranged for the Frassati Fellowship to partner with Habitat for Humanity on the project.
The project also gave Frassati members an opportunity to hone their skills.
“I have a lot of handyman skills, being an engineer,” said Andrew Giminaro. “It’s a good fit to be here.”
But more important was the fact that it was an opportunity to provide service to others. “I think it’s important for us to give back to the community,” Mr. Giminaro said. “That’s why I’m here today.”
