KITH thanks volunteer builders for Salisbury Court renovations

The Master Builders Care Foundation celebrated renovation of its 13th homeless shelter at Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing (KITH) on Dec. 4.

Homebuilder Murray Franklyn served as builder captain. More than 45 of their subcontractors contributed to the project, and 26 Murray Franklyn employees volunteered weekends to complete the renovation.

“We saw a need,” stated the foundation’s HomeAid committee chair Paul Burckhard. “Murray Franklyn, their employees and their trades really stepped up. Initially it was a small project, then it grew in scope. Murray Franklyn completely renovated four apartment units with new lighting, new appliances, new cabinets, new plumbing fixtures, new carpeting and fresh paint.”

Martha Rose, second vice president of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish counties, said, “This is all about giving back. The association has a long and rich history of doing just that. The Care Foundation has organized thousands of volunteers to make our wonderful community an even better place to live.”

While thanking the Master Builders volunteers, Jennifer Barron, KITH’s executive director said, “Our families come in and fill the apartments up with love, then they grow and move on. From time to time the units get that loved used feeling. We were so excited when we knew help was coming from the community, because it really is the community that allows us to do our good work. We care so much for you and for all the great work you have done here and elsewhere.”

Ten-year-old Amanda expressed appreciation on behalf of all the residents by saying how much she liked the new kitchen, her new room, the matching carpets and working window blinds. In closing, she told the audience how wonderful it was to have a new cozy home.

“This is magnificent and exciting for the community,” said Kirkland Deputy Mayor Doreen Marchione as she congratulated the Master Builders Association, KITH and Murray Franklyn.

The Master Builders Care Foundation, through its HomeAid program, provides project oversight and coordinates the donation of materials to build and renovate multi-unit homes for the temporarily homeless. Murray Franklyn and its subcontractors generously donated more than $71,000 in labor and supplies to the Salisbury Court renovation, exceeding 96 percent of the initial budget.

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