by Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
Chip Avery of Chip Avery Framing was named the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Member of the Month in July for his work on the construction of the Trinity Rescue Mission Women and Children’s Center.
Volunteers met the challenge of completing the framing in two days, July 8 and 9. The 14,000-square-foot structure is scheduled to open this fall to provide food and shelter to Jacksonville’s homeless women and children. It is estimated that on any given day there are 1,040 women and children without homes, and many are without shelter each night in Jacksonville because the city’s 18 shelters and transitional housing agencies are full.
NEFBA immediate past-President Greg Matovina, along with his father Tom Matovina, led the volunteer effort. Matovina says Avery’s contribution was critical to the success of the weekend roof raising and the completion of the project.
“The cost to frame the building would have been more than $80,000 were it not for the volunteer effort and would have required a month to complete the framing,” Matovina said. “Both the money and time saved were critical for completing the project before winter when the center is needed the most.
Even with pre-framing activity completed before the turbo-charged weekend, Avery and his crew had their work cut out for them. Matovina said there are many heroes to thank and Avery was one of those who went above and beyond the call of duty.
“Chip and his crew were there from the start and provided not only experienced hands to get ready for the trusses but also much-needed technical assistance,” Matovina said.
Gene Pruett, executive director of Trinity Rescue Mission, hopes to see the facility up and running by mid-November.
“When the Women and Children’s Center is fully operational, we will have 96 beds and will be able to serve at least 1,200 women and children each year, getting them off the streets and helping them find resources to build a new life. Thanks to Chip Avery and others like him, we are well on our way to helping these women and their children.”