Our community-giving philosophy is something that CHASSE Building Team takes very seriously. Whether we’re raising money for local children’s organizations or lending our knowledge and expertise to worthwhile organizations, our sense of commitment is something that everyone here takes to heart.
This was evident in the recent project we completed for the MANA House. Formerly known as Madison Street Veterans Association, the MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force) House is a peer-support organization for homeless and formerly homeless veterans. One of the greatest needs was creating transitional housing for members of our armed services that are need. In 2008, a group of 14 veterans experiencing homelessness got together in Phoenix to figure out a solution. MANA House is now a peer-run organization of homeless and formerly homeless veterans offering personal, individualized basic resources, community and advocacy for all veterans.
Our team took this once governmental building and turned into a center that includes dorm-room style living quarters, recreation room, computer lab, dining hall with a commercial kitchen, a non-denominational Chapel and administrative support space. Residents have access to assistance needed to overcome barriers as they continue to rebuild their lives.
According to Jim Robbins, Vice President of Administration at Catholic Charities Community Services, the primary funder for the MANA House, this project had unique challenges from start to finish which could have easily been a source of significant frustrations for Ken Baker, the onsite Project Superintendent.
“Ken handled everything with professionalism and accountability. Throughout the construction phase of the project Ken led our weekly team meetings, keeping everyone informed on progress, highlighting the need to make decisions, and getting the meetings done on time, which was appreciated by everyone,” said Jim. “The project was completed on schedule and on budget, which we all knew would be the case due to Ken’s solid reporting and outlook communications.”
In addition to completing the tenant improvement, Chasse Building Team employees volunteered to help build all the furniture for the dorms. We are proud to support organizations like the MANA House that are doing such good work in our community.
