Construction Underway on the 2013 Emerging Leaders Class Project: Promise House
Ten months ago, the Emerging Leaders Class of 2013 held its final leadership session and graduation ceremony. At that point, we had raised over ten thousand dollars, and were still diligently working to finish construction documents for a new shelter space at Promise House. For those who aren't familiar with it, Promise House seeks to provide homeless, run-away, and at-risk teens a safer path out of their current circumstances.
Promise House has a Street Outreach program that seeks to take these teens in. Except, when they can't. Due to a lack of space, they turn people away every week. For the class project, the Class of 2013 worked to design, permit, and fit-out shell space at their Oak Cliff facility in South Dallas. The goal was to provide additional beds and communal space for teens who would otherwise be turned away.
Through hard work, dedication, and help from some great partners in the industry (Beck and Balfour Beatty), the end is in sight! September 8, 2014 marked a major milestone stone for Promise House, as interior construction officially began on the build-out of additional shelter space for their teen center.
In just five short days, the 1,600 s.f. space had stud walls in place and electrical work started. On day nine, electrical and plumbing was moving ahead full speed. Inspections for framing are next on the list, and should happen in the next week.
All duct work, air handlers, furnaces, and heat pumps are all in place, and we hear the AC will be turned on today if all goes well! Plumbing is in and tied to the risers, and sprinkler heads are being relocated as this is written.
Next week, we should have rooms that will actually start to look like rooms - equipped with drywall and lighting! After that, the space should be on the home stretch. Add some finishes, a little paint, furniture, and Promise House will have the additional space they need to house more teens.
The shelter will house 10 new beds for young people between the ages of 18-22, who have had a hard time getting on their feet and need a little help, support, and guidance in order to lead successful lives. If you would like to contribute to a great cause, please visit their website.
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