CHARLESTON, W.Va. – They makes dreams come true for families who want a home of their own. Monday, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin proclaimed October 7th World Habitat Day here in West Virginia.
Over the past 25 years, Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia has built hundreds of homes across the state.
“In West Virginia, we are currently celebrating the 700th Habitat House being built in Morgantown,” explained state Executive Director Lora Pierce.
She and the staff of Habitat for Humanity were at the state Capitol to receive a proclamation from the governor and a great big thank you for all the work they do.
Pierce said Habitat families have usually waited years to have a house of their own. Often the families have been living in subsidized housing or with other family members.
“Those are people who would not otherwise be able to afford or get through the whole mortgage process on their own, without the support and service of Habitat,” stressed Pierce.
The house is not a “give me.” The families have to put in their sweat equity while the house is being built and then pay the mortgage. Habitat offers financial assistance and homeowner education. Pierce said the 700 houses they’ve built from the ground up would still be just a dream if it weren’t for some very important people.
“Habitat for Humanity could not be done without the many volunteers and supporters that we have,” she stated.
The best part of the program, according to Pierce, is the day the family moves into a new home.
“One of the most significant mountaintop moments we have within Habitat is when we get to turn the keys over to the partner family that makes it their own home!”
For more information about how you can volunteer, log on to www.habitatwv.org.