“Something incredible is happening on Scott Street in June,” a news release from Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity says. “With the help of construction volunteers from across the United States, Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity will build an entire home in just two days during its first-ever ‘Blitz Build’ event June 6-7, 2026, at 1628 Scott St.”

A “Blitz Build” is a high-energy, high-impact homebuilding event designed to accelerate construction through the collective efforts of local volunteers and experienced Habitat for Humanity builders from across the country. For Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, the event marks a major milestone in its mission to expand affordable housing opportunities in Lycoming County.

A kickoff ahead of the “Blitz Build” is planned for 7 p.m., Thursday at the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Auditorium. Registration is available at Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity’s website.

“This Blitz Build is an incredible opportunity to bring our community together to make homeownership a reality for another local family,” said Dana Brigandi, director of development for Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, according to the news release. “In just one weekend, volunteers will help build more than a house — they’ll help build stability, security and a stronger future.”

The project will be supported by a group of 40-45 experienced Habitat volunteers from a national group known as the “Habitat Road Trip Crazies.” Founded in 1988 in Lynchburg, Virginia, the group has traveled throughout the United States, helping small Habitat affiliates construct more than 100 homes. The team will work alongside GLHFH’s construction crew and local volunteers during the two-day event.

Typically, a Habitat home takes eight to 12 months to complete through the work of staff and volunteers. The Blitz Build model dramatically accelerates that timeline while maintaining Habitat’s standards for quality, safety and energy efficiency.

“The Crazies love to help communities stir up some excitement and help families build and buy their homes,” said building contractor Tom Gerdy of Lynchburg, who helps coordinate the traveling volunteer group. “The best part about these builds is that they are head-clearing and heart-growing events for all involved.”

The Blitz Build supports GLHFH’s five-year strategic plan to construct 11 homes in Williamsport and South Williamsport by the end of 2027. The 1628 Scott St. home will be the third of six planned homes on that street and the sixth home completed under the current strategic plan. To date, GLHFH has completed two homes on Clark Street in South Williamsport, two on Scott Street, and a partnership home at 508 Fifth Ave. built with Pennsylvania College of Technology students.

A Blitz Build community kickoff event will be held from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in the Klump Auditorium on the Pennsylvania College of Technology campus. The public is invited to attend to hear from Gerdy and learn how to volunteer, sponsor or otherwise support this exciting event. Those interested in attending the kickoff may reserve a seat by contacting Jaclyn Gilbert, GLHFH Program Manager, at jgilbert@lycominghabitat.org or 570-322-2515, ext. 303.

Gilbert also is seeking two new partner families to purchase these homes. Information about the application requirements, income levels and homebuying process are available at https://www.lycominghabitat.org/homeownership.

No prior construction experience is required to volunteer for the Blitz Build; however, all construction volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Safety training and protective equipment will be provided on site. GLHFH is also seeking donations for meals, water and refreshments for volunteers during the two-day event. Hospitality volunteers are needed to assist with water distribution, traffic direction and supply coordination.

“Who knows, if we get enough funding and volunteer help, maybe we can do two houses that weekend,” Brigandi said, according to the news release. “We have the land, and we have the foundations and walls – we just need the financial support and dedicated volunteers to make it happen.”

The Blitz Build construction will be featured on the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity Facebook page, and a time-lapse video will be produced following completion of the home. For updates and additional details, visit https://www.lycominghabitat.org/blitzbuild.

“It is amazing what happens when we let our hearts tell our hands what to do,” Gerdy said about working on these homes.

For more than 30 years, GLHFH has partnered with local families, volunteers and community supporters to ensure that everyone in Lycoming County has access to a safe, affordable place to call home. To learn more about GLHFH, visit www.lycominghabitat.org.