Santa Barbara High School Students Step In to Build Habitat Housing

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - For the first time, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is partnering with local high school students to address housing needs.

Students are hard at work at a Habitat build site in Santa Barbara.

The agency has partnered with Santa Barbara High School in a first-of-its-kind program.

“This lets me apply all the stuff that I’ve learned in wood and all the stuff I’ve learned outside of woodshop,” said Finley Russell, Santa Barbara High School student.

Juniors and seniors are helping build a fence for a future Habitat home—supporting local families on the path to homeownership.

“I hope to build a really awesome fence out of redwood. It was one of my favorite woods. I think it’s gonna be gorgeous. I hope to make someone’s life in the community just a little bit better,” said Clar Watson, Santa Barbara High School student.

The project connects classroom training to hands-on construction experience in the field.

“I really hope they feel inspired to not only continue to help their community but possibly to even pursue a career in trades,” said Susan Renehan, Habitat Santa Barbara director of philanthropy and external affairs.

“Students are learning construction skills where they actually matter,” said Patricia Martellotti, Santa Barbara.

Watson added, “I’m very interested in the trade. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I think for any job one of the most rewarding parts is being able to give back to the community.”

Organizers hope the project helps prepare students for careers in the trades while supporting affordable housing efforts.

Teens in a trade arts class are stepping onto the build site, constructing a fence for a future Habitat home.

Your News Channel will show how students are gaining critical job skills while helping tackle the region’s affordable housing shortage.

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