by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
The lot on Wigmore Street near downtown Jacksonville was just a slab of concrete when workers arrived. By mid-morning, trusses were hoisted into position and walls were up, thanks to community groups and some football players.
The Jaguars’ annual HabiJax build team, consisting of front office staff, players and Roar cheerleaders, partnered with local civic groups such as the Southpoint Civitans and the Wednesday Gang to help build a HabiJax home last month.
Doug Ridgeway of HabiJax said the house was being constructed in record pace.
“It’s inspirational to see this much work done this quickly,” he said.
Robbie Bacon and her two sons will live in the house that will be finished late this summer. “I’m new at this, but I know how to work a hammer,” said Bacon.
As a requirement, Bacon must invest a minimum of 300 hours of labor, called “sweat equity,” into the construction of her home and other HabiJax homes. The help from the Jaguars was certainly a good experience, she said. “They are so wonderful.”
Bacon’s project, along with six others, were part of HabiJax’s salute to mothers in May.
The Jaguars have sponsored more than 133 HabiJax homes since 2001. HabiJax is the largest affiliate homebuilder within the Habitat for Humanity organization.