Articles

November 2013 Dallas Branch Meeting

Topic: ASCE Centennial Habitat for Humanity House

To commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Texas Section of ASCE and as a part of the Texas Section Fall Conference, the construction of the ASCE Centennial Habitat for Humanity house is in full swing. Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to provide safe, affordable housing for families in need. Our goal for the Centennial House is to design a truly green home that can be built in an affordable manner.

Our speakers will discuss the progress of the construction of the centennial habitat house along with the process of plan development, permitting, fundraising and information about the Habitat for Humanity organization.

Jack Furlong, P.E., D.WRE - Jack Furlong served on Richardson Area Habitat for Humanity Board for 10 years, completed 14 homes for the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity families, and personally lead the build effort on three of the homes, designed, permitted and managed the construction of a 25 lot subdivision for Habitat.

As the ASCE Texas Section President, Jack led the effort in making the Centennial Habitat House happen.

Mary Freeman, Director of Development - Mary Freeman was raised in a missionary family and loves that Habitat is a key and tangible solution to lifting families out of poverty.  As  a donor-centered fundraiser for over 15 years her passion is developing a culture of philanthropy that supports collaborative partnerships.

Ashlyn Kelbly, EIT - Ashlyn Kelbly graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in May of 2011. Since then, Ashlyn has been accruing engineering experience as part of the utilities team at Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. Along with Colin Blankenship, Ashlyn co-authored the feature article for the Summer 2013 ASCE Texas Section magazine. Ashlyn became involved with Habitat for Humanity during college and has enjoyed working with Dallas Area HFH throughout the Centennial build partnership.

Colin Blankenship, P.E., CFM, RAS – Colin Blankenship is an Associate Engineer at Hayden Consultants, Inc. and has been a member of the staff since 2003. He is active in ASCE where he serves as Centennial Committee Chair. He is also a member of the North Texas Chapter of Engineers without Borders and serves as the Engineers without Borders liaison for the Dallas Branch of ASCE. Colin was named the 2012 ASCE Dallas Branch Young Engineer of the Year.