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Hi, my name is Maha Negash and I am a junior at Virginia Tech. I had the pleasure of joining the HabitatNRV family as an intern in August of this year. Coming into this position, I wasn’t fully aware of Habitat and what they did; but I was excited to learn. In these past few months, I have been able to acquire a firsthand perspective of the life-changing work being done here. Just this year, we’ve started construction on 11 houses spanning throughout the New River Valley and anticipate their completion in 2023. We value both education and community through our partnership with the Giles County Technology Center students who recently began their 9th build in Pearisburg. We are also expanding these learning partnerships across the NRV to students attending Floyd County High School, Springhouse Community in Pilot, and the Pulaski County Area Tech Center. The invaluable experience being taught on our job sites allows students to grasp technical skills as well as teamwork. At HabitatNRV, we are continually looking to improve our building procedures and provide housing that is sustainable and affordable. Therefore, we have partnered with over 12 local businesses and organizations to find innovative new ways to build. In Dublin, we’ve partnered with Atmos Energy to build our first Zero Net Energy Home on Stafford Drive. In Floyd, we are building a seven-unit townhome using Thermasteel interlocking insulated panels for energy efficiency. Finally, in Pearisburg, we are building a duplex using ICF concrete forms that are highly durable and fireproof. Critical repairs are another major aspect of our mission. HabitatNRV is working to employ the FISH (Floyd Initiative for Safe Housing) model throughout the New River Valley. The Giles Critical Repair Team along with local ACCE students partnered with Celanese to complete their first repair this year. We are also forming the Radford City Repair Network and planning our first project for Spring of 2023. The HabitatNRV mission is to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent place to live. We do this by partnering with families across the New River Valley that are in need of safe and affordable homes. We work together with our volunteers, sponsors, and partners to make that happen. A Habitat home is a strong foundation and a stabilizing force for a family. Everyone deserves an opportunity for a better life, and I am honored to be a part of this organization. It has been an absolute privilege serving this community through Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley.
Maha Negash Marketing Intern Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley