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Self-Help Builder News October 2012 Volume 5, Issue #3 >
California self-help housing network meeting
By Jeremy Raff, RCAC multi-media specialist and Erika Holzhauer, RCAC rural development specialist-housing
The California Self-Help Housing Network met at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio in early May. Sponsored by RCAC and Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, 14 staffers from People’s Self-Help Housing, RCHDC, South County Housing, Self-Help Enterprises and RCAC gathered to discuss energy-efficiency, earn a sexual harassment prevention certification from RCAC, and discuss best practices for on-site management.
Meeting participants visited a build site to see practical application of energy efficiency and conservation measures.
Randy Chaffey and Daniel Diaz from California Living and Energy discussed energy efficiency ratings, conservation measures, and rebate programs before the group saw the practical application of the classroom portion at a build site. Radiant barriers, duct sealing, cool roof tiles, quality insulation installation, HVAC equipment, water efficient fixtures, tankless water heaters, low energy windows, drip irrigation, and irrigation rain sensors save homeowners money and meet increasingly rigorous efficiency standards. A HERS rater offered tips to pass on to HVAC, plumbing, and insulation contractors to ensure proper installation.
Even the most energy efficient project, however, is not without its social challenges, complications and conflicts.
The second day of the network’s meeting focused on ways to make the building process a constructive experience for everyone involved. A two-hour course detailed managers’ and supervisors’ roles in preventing sexual harassment. RCAC’s Nancy Jacobsen led a frank discussion about the problems that emerge when a group of strangers immerse themselves in a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging project over a sustained period of time. Construction supervisors shared their experiences as teachers, counselors, babysitters, bosses and mediators at jobsites to better learn how to reconcile homeowner’s lofty expectations and initial enthusiasm with the many trials of the building process.
The energy efficiency workshops, along with sharing best practices, like checklists and proactive planning for conflict resolution, helped California Self-Help Housing Network members continue to deliver a high-quality and supportive pathway to homeownership.