Cold winter air couldn’t dampen the energy on our Port Ewen build site as volunteers gathered for one of construction’s most significant milestones: Truss Day.
What is Truss Day?
Truss Day marks the moment when a house transforms from a foundation and framing into something you can truly envision as a home. The roof trusses – the pre-assembled triangular structures that form the skeleton of the roof – are lifted into place and secured, defining the home’s silhouette against the sky. It’s the day when neighbors walking by stop and say, “Oh wow, that’s going to be a house!”
For our volunteer crew, it’s also one of the most physically demanding and collaborative days of any build. Trusses are heavy, unwieldy, and require precise coordination.
The Volunteers Who Make It Happen
Our build crew – composed mostly of dedicated retirees who show up week after week regardless of weather – didn’t hesitate when the forecast showed cold temperatures. They arrived ready to work, bundled against the chill but warmed by purpose.
“This is what we do,” one volunteer said simply, adjusting his gloves before hefting another beam into position. “Families are counting on us.”
These volunteers bring decades of life experience, problem-solving skills, and an unwavering commitment to Ulster County’s families. They’re not just building structures – they’re building futures, one truss at a time.
Community Support in Action
Truss Day also brought an exceptional show of community support to the site. We were honored to welcome:
Elected Officials and Staff:
- Teddy from Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha’s office
- Johanna Contreras from Congressman Pat Ryan’s office
- Newly elected Ulster County Legislator Lindsey Grossman
- Newly elected Ulster County Legislator Amy Dooley
Their presence wasn’t just symbolic – it represented a commitment to understanding the work happening on the ground and supporting housing solutions at every level of government.
Business Partners: Representatives from Rycor HVAC, Ulster Savings Bank, and M&T Bank visited the site to see the progress firsthand. We rely on business partners who understand that affordable housing strengthens Ulster County’s economy, workforce, and communities.
Local Generosity: Mario’s Pizza in Port Ewen provided a delicious lunch for our hardworking crew, perfectly timed to refuel volunteers before the afternoon push. There’s something special about marking a construction milestone with good food and community support.
Building Forward
As the last truss was secured and volunteers stepped back to admire their work, the house stood proudly against the winter sky – no longer just a foundation, but a home taking shape.
This is what happens when volunteers dedicate their time, when community partners show up to support the mission, and when elected officials witness the work firsthand. This is how we address the housing crisis: one truss, one home, one family at a time.
Our Port Ewen build continues, powered by volunteer dedication and community support. Every day brings us closer to the moment when a Ulster County family receives their keys and begins writing their own story of stability, pride, and hope.
That’s what Truss Day is really about – not just raising beams, but raising possibilities.
Want to be part of days like this?
- Volunteer: Join our build crew at UlsterHabitat.org/volunteer
- Donate: Support construction at UlsterHabitat.org/donate
- Visit: See our work in action – contact us to schedule a site visit