When Jesús Gutierrez joined Orange Habitat in 2017 as Construction Manager, he brought years of construction experience from previous roles, including time at Durham Habitat. After a long career spent physically building homes, he was ready for a new challenge. In early 2020, he transitioned into the newly created Project Manager role—an opportunity to take on a more strategic, management-focused position supporting the organization’s ambitious goal to build 20 homes a year. 

The Project Management team was formed to meet a clear need. With homes in multiple neighborhoods under construction, Orange Habitat needed someone dedicated to coordinating site support, purchasing, scheduling, and subcontractors from the office. Jesús stepped into the role just two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, and even in those early, uncertain months, the team began to take shape. 

As the organization emerged from the pandemic and construction operations returned to a new normal, a second team member was added to handle additional behind-the-scenes responsibilities, including permitting, subcontractor management, and scheduling. With these additions to the nearly 20-person construction team, Orange Habitat was able to build and close on 16 homes during fiscal year 2025. 

The Project Management team continues to grow as Orange Habitat explores new ways to build homes, including fully subcontracted projects alongside the traditional volunteer model. This collaboration was on full display during the 2025 Builders Blitz, when four homes were completed in just ten days. The team also manages a new on-site warehouse at Weavers Grove, allowing materials to be ordered in advance and stored safely, already saving roughly 30% on materials costs. 

By building systems that make construction more efficient and sustainable, the Project Management team has become a cornerstone of Orange Habitat’s ability to expand its impact and meet the community’s increasing need for affordable housing.