Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County will begin work on a new site, located at 1042 Lehman Street, Lebanon, in March. The 4 bedroom house, with a bath and a half, was damaged in a fire and donated to Habitat by Arlene Zellers. “The home will be completely rehabilitated, serving a larger family than the average Lebanon Habitat build, and assist in revitalizing that section of Lehman Street,” stated Eric Weaver, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County. The estimated cost of materials for the project is $70,000.
A grant for $35,000 has already been received from Thrivent Financial for half of the renovation costs; however, Habitat will need an additional $35,000 in monetary donations to complete the project. “I’m looking forward to another project here in Lebanon,” stated Jim Gill, representative from the local Thrivent Financial office in Annville. “Thrivent Builds is a strong, decade-long partnership between Thrivent Financial and Habitat for Humanity, empowering both organizations to accomplish more together than we could separately.”
Habitat will begin to schedule
volunteer teams in the next few weeks. A calendar has been added to the website
(www.habitatlebanon.org) so interested parties can view available dates for group builds. “Local businesses enjoy the community outreach as well as the team-building aspect,” stated Cheryl Hemperly, PR & development manager for Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon County. “Church groups help to build, various youth groups, even Lebanon Valley College has a Habitat Chapter…it’s inspiring to see the community come together!” Hemperly also noted that youth must be 16 years of age or older to be on the project worksite.
Utilizing volunteer labor, donations
of money and materials, Habitat will rehabilitate the home alongside a
qualified low-income Habitat partner family. Although
a family has not yet been chosen for this particular home, the selection
committee is in the process of reviewing applications. Selection criteria are
based on income, ability to pay back a no-interest mortgage, as well as
the candidate's ability to provide hundreds of "sweat
equity" hours in the home. Homeownership will not only provide a stable shelter and healthy living
environment for a local family, it will help to build confidence, financial
security, and break the cycle of poverty. Habitat plans to complete the
project and have a local family moved into the home by November.
The official kick-off date for the project is slated for Sunday, March 13. A “Women’s Day Build” is planned for Saturday, April 30, in celebration of “National Women Build Week.” Groups and individuals interested in being a part of the upcoming build can contact the Lebanon Habitat office at (717) 867-1044 or send an email to habitat@habitatlebanon.org. Follow
the progress of the Lehman Street project at www.facebook.com/habitatlebanon.
Habitat for Humanity of Lebanon
County is a non-denominational, ecumenical, Christian ministry that works in
partnership with the community to build decent, affordable houses. Habitat was
established in Lebanon County in 1990 and has provided housing for more than
120 people since its inception. For more information on Habitat for Humanity of
Lebanon County, please visit www.habitatlebanon.org
or www.facebook.com/habitatlebanon.