CHESTERVILLE — Western Maine Community Action is beginning its first project in the Community Home Replacement Program. The collaborative effort will see a new home being built for a Chesterville couple.

William “Bill” Crandall, program manager for housing services at WMCA, said his agency has struggled because the houses most in need of help are often too far gone and ineligible for assistance from federal programs. By partnering with Foster Career and Technical Education Center, a new way has been found that may become a model for the state to use, he said. 

“It’s a win-win for all,” Crandall said. “We’ll build a safe, warm, dry, healthy home that is age-friendly, more energy-efficient and has a higher property value. Local suppliers and local contractors are being used.”

The one-floor design is safer for elderly homeowners who will be less likely to slip and fall, Crandall said. This will reduce the likelihood of time spent at costly rehabilitation centers. The fresh-air exchange system will capture about 80 percent of the energy used.

Students in the Building Construction program at the Foster center will build the home once the frost walls have been installed. They will demolish the home of Joe and Pam St. Pierre at 396 Dutch Gap Road.

All plumbing needs in the new home will be installed by students in that program. Foster CTE Center Director Melissa Williams said 25 students from the two programs will be working on the project.

Contractor Mark Chretien will oversee the project. He is a graduate of the building construction program at Foster Tech and owns Chretien’s Construction. While he is very busy, he wanted to give back, he said.

Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Tom Ward said the collaboration was an opportunity for students to learn while giving back to the community. 

WMCA Executive Director Steve Johndro said he was excited about the project.

“It gives more visibility and involves more partnerships with agencies in the Franklin County area,” Johndro said. “I’m so impressed with the quality of the programs and students at Foster Tech. This project provides them with real-world experience. The Foster Tech partnership is a critical piece. We couldn’t do this without them.”

Architect Emily Mott said using a simple design allows the addition of several cost-saving features but doesn’t add much to the cost. It will cost less to maintain every month going forward.

This project is supported by several grants and loan programs. Funding has come from USDA Rural Development and the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Crandall said.

The Sandy River Charitable Foundation, the John T. Gorman Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation have also been very supportive, he said.

Mathews Brothers Co. is donating energy-efficient windows. Crandall said the company, established 162 years ago, was ahead of its time when it had female owners in the late 1800s.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net