Photos and story by Kate Matthews
Taking on the lingering summer heat, CCTS came together and put up the first walls for UAB Benevolent Fund’s Fifth Annual Habitat House in September. This home is being built for Ames Farrell, a life-time resident of Birmingham, Alabama. The build will run from September 20th to October 27th with volunteers on site every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Follow along via #UABBuilds on Twitter to see this house turn into a home! Special thank you to everyone who came out and volunteered their morning in 90-degree heat.
For the past five years, the UAB Benevolent Fund has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham. During that time of service more than 2,500 UAB employees have given over 10,000 hours of their time as well as close to $250,000 in supporting contributions.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit committed to providing safe and affordable housing to individuals in need across our community and country. The most common misconception regarding Habitat is that the homes it provides are free, but on the contrary, all Habitat recipients are actually homeowners and manage a 0% interest 20-year mortgage rate. They also must meet a detailed set of criteria to be considered, including putting a down payment on the home and contributing 300 hours’ worth of “sweat equity.”
Rise and Shine! The 2018 CCTS Habitat for Humanity team. 
CCTS Director Dr. Robert Kimberly (l) hammering in nails for a doorway. 
CCTS Project Manager Brian Wallace setting up the first wall.
CCTS BERD Director Dr. David Redden overlooking his handy work. 
CCTS provides the framework for UAB School of Medicine to build on…for houses as well as scientific discovery! Kudos to Dr. Kimberly, who twice volunteered his skills to the Habitat for Humanity House.