Southern Utah Home Builders care, build ‘Sweet Lindsey’ a special home

"Sweet Lindsey," a Dixie State College art student, and beneficiary of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association's 2012 Home Builders Care service project, St. George, Utah, July 2012 | Photo courtesy of Melynda Thorpe Burt for SUHBA

ST. GEORGE – The Southern Utah Home Builders Association recently announced the start of its 2012 Home Builders Care service project. During the next few months, SUHBA will construct a 1,560 square-foot home equipped with handicapped-accessible features for a St. George resident with special needs.

Called by her grandfather, “Sweet Lindsey,” she is a 20-year-old art student at Dixie State College who has been unable to use her hands or legs since birth. Her Grandfather, Glen Martin, has been saving for years to purchase a home with accommodations for Lindsey’s special needs. Now struggling with bone cancer, Martin approached SUHBA to help make his wish for Lindsey come true.

“There are many things we take for granted living in our homes. Lindsey struggles with tasks every day, like taking a shower, cooking dinner, and washing dishes,” said SUHBA President James Sullivan. “Our goal with this project is to include features that will make her daily living a little easier.”

As an artist, Lindsey paints by holding a paintbrush with her mouth, the same way she opens her front door with a key. Plans for her new home include an art studio that will allow Lindsey the expression of her artistic talents and the ability to comfortably foster her creativity.

“Lindsey has an infectious smile and is so excited to have a new home built,” said  Austin Anderson, the General Building Contractor. “Many contractors and supply companies are helping to make this home become a reality and we appreciate their willingness to help with this important community project.”

Building industry professionals have struggled in recent years, but despite these challenges, SUHBA members continue to help people in need within their community. Competitors set aside their differences, come together and work hard in helping others.

Southern Utah Home Builders Association members meet and plan for construction of a handicapped-accessible home for “Sweet Lindsey,” a Dixie State College art student, as its 2012 Home Builders Care service project, St. George, Utah, July 2012 | Photo courtesy of Melynda Thorpe Burt for SUHBA

“We are excited to be able to give back to the community in this very special way as Lindsey is a bright light to all of us who live in Southern Utah,” Sullivan said.

Project leadership includes General Building Contractor Austin Anderson, Project Manager Kelly Stephens, Superintendent Rod Steurer, and SUHBA President James Sullivan. In addition, many SUHBA members are serving as team captains for various construction phases and are assisting with labor and building material donations.

The mission of SUHBA and the Home Builders Care Foundation is to strengthen communities in Washington County by assisting with charitable construction related services to individuals in need, enhancing the quality of life in Southern Utah. Last year, the SUHBA Home Builders Care project included an expansion and remodel of the St. George Doctors Volunteer Clinic.

For more information on this year’s Southern Utah Home Builders Care project, or to become involved, call 435-674-1400.

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Twitter: @STGnews

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