As
part of the Community Based Vocational Instruction (CBVI) program, Savannah-Chatham
County Public Schools have partnered with the Chatham-Savannah Authority for
the Homeless and Joe Marchese Construction Company to provide vocational and
living skills instruction for students of SCCPSS.
Five students from five different SCCPSS high schools participated in a
project to build tiny houses for homeless veterans. The students are Carnell Johnson from the
School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High; Harry "James" Oliver
from Islands High School; Braylon Frazier from New Hampstead High; Kavion
Washington from Groves High School; and Amir Jackson-Brown from Windsor
Forrest High School.
The
students received very generous contributions from Nightingale Services, the VFW,
Viet Nam Vets, the Veteran's Council and other individuals to allow for the
purchase of the necessary steel-toed boots and other supplies. The student’s
safety equipment including hard hats and reflective vests were generously
donated by the Home Depot store in Pooler.
Students
have been on the construction site off Wheaton Road for more than 6 weeks, finishing up on May 15. The CBVI
program will then start with a fresh crew in August when school resumes.
The students are learning all aspects of construction. Though their primary focus has been framing
and windows, the goal is to complete an entire house during their time on the
project. Students rotate on tasks and receive instruction and
guidance in framing, roofing, siding, and plumbing.
The
students have had the opportunity to work on every structure in Phase 2 of the
Tiny House project. The first homes are
expected to be ready for occupation in June.
