Edmonton high school students building sheds, playhouses for habitat for humanity

From sheds to playhouses, students at Edmonton’s McNally High School are cutting the wood and building the frames in order to sell the structures in support of Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s wonderful to be able to put these skills to real use and see these things go to people,” said Grayden McAlister, a Grade 12 student at McNally High School.

McAlister says this experience is priceless, knowing the demand for skilled workers in the homebuilding industry is high.

“Housing right now is like a critical issue. I mean, these are real-world skills, and these are things people need. Like, People need houses, and these are the skills that can fulfill those jobs,” said McAlister.

Because of humanitarian work like this, supporting Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, the organization has helped over 880 families secure affordable housing in northern Alberta.

The sheds, playhouses, and fences that will be sold at Habitat for Humanity stores in Edmonton come at an important time.

The charity is facing economic and tariff uncertainty. They told CityNews that future projects, aside from two current builds in Sherwood Park and Leduc, are on hold.

“We’re obviously always looking to build more homes, but we also want to make sure it’s financially viable so we can be sustainable and keep helping people,” said Afarin Mirzadeh, the marketing and communications manager for Habitat for Humanity Edmonton.

Those enrolled in the school’s business program are also keeping a close eye on their financials and marketing campaign, as part of their studies. This includes a donation of building materials from a local mill worth $25,000.

“There’s a lot of talk about building affordable housing, and how do we do that. I think it starts with encouraging students to get involved in the trades and understand what that looks like as a future for them,” said Tyler Crago, the general manager of West Fraser – Alberta Plywood.

And McAlister hopes this experience will help him build a career.

“I would love to get into the homebuilding industry personally. Building custom homes, I think that would be wonderful,” said McAlister.