Members of the student chapter of the Northeast Florida Builder's Association

About a dozen UNF students are learning first hand how rewarding it can be to repair a roof or paint a house for someone in need.

The students, members of the UNF student chapter of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, have been participating in the association's Builders Care program. The program, funded primarily by the Duval County Housing Finance Authority, makes construction services available to homeowners who have no other means by which to secure repairs to their homes. Builders Care specializes in making homes handicapped accessible, repairing roofs and siding as well as painting and general repairs. Particular emphasis is placed on targeting homes in areas of town designated as Intensive Care Neighborhoods by Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney.

Tray Parker, president of the student chapter, said UNF students have been involved in re-roofing and painting homes as well as doing minor interior repair. Since several of the members already have extensive experience in the industry, they also have donated the use of their tools as well as their time on the projects. "These students have been a dream to work with," says Arnold Tritt, executive vice president of the association. "The homeowners are very appreciative of what the students have done," he noted.

The students are all enrolled in UNF's Building Construction Management Program. The student chapter was recently reactivated and is now a significant part of the Builders Care program which has been responsible for repairing about 30 homes in the city. The program is open to skilled professionals as well as volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering may contact the Builders Care program at 219-5985.