On June 5, Communities in Schools (CIS) Tacoma awarded the Master Builders association of Pierce County (MBA Pierce) the “Hands Up” award for their work with the 2013 House of Hope at CIS’ annual luncheon.
The award recognizes businesses and organizations who have made a significant contribution to student’s success in learning, or who have influenced or advocated for community support by empowering their students to stay in school and achieve in their lives.
Led by SoundBuilt Northwest, over 60 MBA Pierce members came together to donate land, labor, and construction materials to the 2013 House for Hope. Suppliers and sub-contractors also visited students at Mt. Tahoma High School to speak about the construction process and their roles in building the home. The House for Hope was launched by 2013 MBA Pierc President Kurt Wilson last fall as a way to secure funding fro MBA Pierce itself and also CIS Tacoma.
Communities in Schools programs provide children with community-based resources in order to help them learn, stay in school, and prepare for life. Much of that assistance comes in the form of academic tutoring, but CIS also offers various enrichment programs, such as basketball, cooking, and arts and crafts. According to the Department of Education’s best practices website, the “What Works Clearinghouse,” Communities in Schools is the only organization proven to increase graduation rates.
On May 10, the 2013 House for Hope opened to the public at its VIP night. The House was listed for sale on May 11 during the Parade of New Homes, and by June 14 there were two full price offers on the table. The buyer is a local active duty member and his family. They requested assistance for the closing cost; however, $5,000 of their $6,500 required closing cost was covered by House for Hope partner Veteran’s United, and Kathy Kleber of Team Red waived her sales commission as well to maximize what revenue would go to CIS Tacoma.
THANK YOU to all of the House for Hope volunteers and sponsors! you can learn more about the House at www.2013houseforhope.com.
