Published: May. 30, 2024, 2:41 p.m.Three years ago, a house on Wiconisco Street in Harrisburg was destroyed in a fire. Now, community partners and students at Dauphin County Technical School have rebuilt and furnished the home, which will become permanent affordable housing for families experiencing homelessness.
Williams has been working with the Brethren Housing Association for two years to reach this point. The Brethren Housing Association puts homeless individuals through training programs, helping them get jobs, find childcare and move into permanently affordable housing. The units owned by the association never cost more than 30% of the resident’s income.
De’Sean Crosson-Rector, a sophomore from Harrisburg, has worked on the project for a year as part of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning program. Not only did the project give him a chance to expand his technical skills, but it holds special meaning for Crosson-Rector. Brightbill was moved to tears as he spoke at the ribbon cutting. He thanked the vendors involved for donating materials, the bus drivers and lunch workers at Dauphin County Technical School, as well as donors to the project, which included the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary and the City of Harrisburg.
One of the unique challenges Matos-Rodriguez faced was learning how to deal with a fast-paced construction site.