Castaldo isn't the only one receiving a new home, either. International charitable association Habitat for Humanity built another home in Lakewood, Colo. as a memorial for John Tomlin, a student who lost his life during the shooting at Columbine. The memorial home now houses the Cruz family of six, who previously resided in a two-bedroom apartment. The memorial home was sponsored by Chevrolet after representatives at the company heard that Tomlin's favorite pastime was driving his truck.
"This worthwhile project was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Tomlin family, students and friends of Columbine as well as provide an opportunity to a family who deserves better conditions in which to live and raise a family," said Tanya Hayes, spokesperson for Chevrolet.
Habitat for Humanity homes are built by volunteers with monetary and material donations. Homes are either built or rehabilitated with the help of the homeowner-to-be families and local builders and remodelers. The average Habitat house costs $37,600. The homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with no-interest loans.
Most Habitat for Humanity-built homes are designed for simplicity and affordability, generally using wood frame construction with Gypsum board interior walls, vinyl siding and asphalt shingle roofs. But not all habitat homes are the same. Often, builders and manufacturers use the donated homes as outlets for creativity with material usage or design, as illustrated by the Castaldo voice activated design.