Marking a Nearly 20-Year Partnership, CEI Donates Crane Service to Habitat for Humanity Project

A safe, affordable home creates a lasting impact for a family, as they build a brighter, more stable future. And right now, the need for this type of housing in our community is immense.

Habitat for Humanity of East Central Ohio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing in Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties.

Through Habitat’s program, local residents help build or renovate their own homes alongside a team of dedicated volunteers. The families are then able to purchase their home with an affordable, zero-interest mortgage.

In June 2021, CEI Crane & Rigging donated its crane services to help build a home in Canton with Habitat for Humanity. For the project, CEI provided a 45-ton boom truck, as well as one of its certified crane operators, to set the trusses on the house roof, a portion of the build that typically takes two to four hours to complete.

This project wasn’t a first for the CEI team. In fact, CEI President Brian Selinsky describes it “as a well-oiled machine” as the company marks a nearly 20-year-long partnership with the organization.

For the Selinsky Family, that partnership began as a labor of love.

“In 2001, my brother, Michael, passed away unexpectedly,” said Selinsky. “Habitat for Humanity was one of his favorite charities, so in 2002, we volunteered to build a house in his honor. After we helped with that build, we made the decision to continue to donate our crane services for their projects going forward.” 

Since 2002, CEI has donated its services to help build about 300 homes.  

According to the Habitat for Humanity of East Central Ohio website, the organization has built and preserved 591 homes in East Central Ohio so far. More than 2,300 individuals live in homes built and renovated by the organization, including about 1,800 children.

“It’s a partnership that has flourished,” said Selinsky. “We see it as one way we can give back to our community and have an ongoing presence here. It’s just one way we feel we can help out.” 

Visit habitateco.org to volunteer or to make donation, and contact CEI Crane & Rigging to learn more about its rigging and heavy haul services.