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Newburgh - Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh partnered with the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley and the Newburgh Community Land Bank to build two simple, decent, and affordable 4-bedroom homes in the City of Newburgh in five days.

The build, which was part of a national Home Builders Blitz, reconstructed both 45 and 47 Chambers Street for the benefit of both the Cordero-Valencia family and the Santiago family, whose members have worked  side-by-side with volunteers to create Habitat homes.

Nearly 100 local contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and other donors have offered their labor, material, or donations to support the building of these two homes, according to Cathy Collins, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.

“The Home Builders Blitz would not be possible without the tireless effort of the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley,” said Collins. “We are grateful for the partnerships developed through this miraculous project that will allow us to put two families into two safe, decent, and affordable homes.”

Angelo Ferrante of Hudson Valley Re-modelers volunteered to act as the overall Project Coordinator for this year’s “Home Builders Blitz”.

“When I agreed to do this in 2006, I only considered the accomplishment of building two in five days,” said Ferrante. “But I found out quickly that it was a lot more than two homes; I made friends and bonds for life and that’s why I got involved in the third and fourth home - and now for the fifth and sixth.”

Andy Stahl of Hearthstone Contracting and Bob Colucci of Ultimate Homes, Inc. were designated as volunteer “House Captains”. Stahl is no newcomer to the build-by-blitz approach, as he was the lead contractor involved in the 2011 “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Crawford, where a new home was built for a deserving family in one week.

“The ‘Extreme’ experience was eye-opening for us as a company, highlighting our role as a member of a much larger community,” said Stahl. “We understand our responsibility to give back, and embrace the challenge this Blitz presents. It’s rewarding for us to know we can contribute in such a meaningful way.”

“Knowing how great Habitat for Humanity is and what they do for our community, we were honored to help,” said Colucci, whose Gardiner-based business has been building and remodeling custom homes in the tri-county area since 1987. “Our team is always willing to give back to the community and that is what has made Ultimate Homes, Inc. what it is today.”

Ian Rieger of Rieger Homes oversaw all site preparations as Pre-Build Coordinator. Rieger Homes, Inc. has built approximately 6,000 homes in the Hudson Valley over the past 50 years.

“This has been a very enriching experience for us so far,” said Rieger. “Both Habitat and the Builders Association are made up of some incredible talent and when you couple the two, it’s clear that only great things will happen.”

“We have been so impressed with the willingness of our members to get involved in such an outstanding effort,” said BAHV Executive Officer Scott Wohl. “The donation of time and materials is a true demonstration of volunteerism and community, especially during such difficult times.”

This is the third time the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh have joined forces to benefit Newburgh residents through participation in the national Home Builders Blitz. The first build, in 2006, drew in 70 companies who provided nearly all the labor and materials needed to construct the two homes. Two more homes were successfully constructed in 2008.