Ivy Tech Community College-Northwest’s construction technology students are teaming up with the Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity to build 20 new homes over the next three years. On the future site of what’s being called “The Field of Dreams”, Ivy Tech students are currently building the first home, located at 1736 Adams Street in Gary, Indiana. It will contain three bedrooms and one full bath, with two optional bedrooms and bath in the basement. The home will also comprise a living, dining and kitchen area with a back deck porch.

Twenty-one year-old, Ivy Tech construction technology student Quince Ballas has been doing construction for seven years. “The classroom instruction gives me a good idea of what this job entails, but the hands-on experience of this project is truly invaluable”, says Ballas. Having his start in the design technology program doing architectural blueprints, Ballas is now working to complete the residential construction program. He says “It’s exciting to see that what began as just a hole in the ground will now become a beautiful home. This is an indescribable feeling.”

Twenty-six year-old Larry Gutierrez, program chair for the construction technology division says he’s proud of the collaborative effort on behalf of the college. Gutierrez says “Because Ivy Tech is the sole community college for Indiana, it is both our responsibility and pleasure to help the people in our community.” Gutierrez also serves on the executive board of the Carpenters Local Union 1406, where he frames and builds houses throughout Northwest Indiana.

“For the students, a project like this really sifts out who should work in the field, from who best belongs in the office,” Gutierrez says. Quince Ballas agrees, saying he’s always known that construction was the field for him. “There are two things that I love…working with my hands and the smell of wood,” Ballas says.

Still, Gutierrez concludes that his greatest gratification comes from not only knowing he’s helping his students get such hands-on experience, but they’re giving back to the community in a significant way. He says, “For me, this is the best of both worlds.”