More than 120 employees of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems recently rolled up their sleeves and got to work with hammers and nails, assembling the walls of a house for a Northeast Ohio family in need. The construction project took place May 22 at Bendix’s Elyria headquarters, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Medina County and Help Build Hope.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,100-square-foot home is being built for the family of Andy and Kristina Phillips of Brunswick. Kristina and Andy – a full-time truck driver – have three children: Madison (8), Connor (7), and 2-year-old Lucas, who requires extensive supportive care due to a rare brain malformation called lissencephaly. The new home will better accommodate Lucas’ ongoing care needs than their current apartment, making it easier and safer for the family to care for him. Special modifications to the house include a motorized chair lift, donated by Bendix.
“The support and efforts of our employees are the heart and soul of Bendix’s ongoing commitment to building communities and positively impacting our neighbors,” said Maria Gutierrez, Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability. “Part of our company culture is striving every day to put our social responsibility to work and make a difference, and it simply doesn’t happen without the inspiring generosity of our team members and their families.”
Bendix also provided $1,500 toward roofing the home.
After building the house’s frame, Bendix volunteers inscribed messages and well-wishes on beams and walls. The entire structure was then disassembled and prepped for transport to Brunswick for completion. Construction is expected to be completed by October, dependent on weather.
“We’re thankful to Medina Habitat for Humanity, Bendix, and all the volunteers,” said Andy Phillips. “Our family is so appreciative of what’s going on here, and this is really going to help a lot.”
“It’s just amazing how many people came out here,” Kristina Phillips said on the morning of the build. “It’s nice to know people are willing to donate their time.”
