For 2013 build
Following a successful build of its seventh construction project and first home in St. Johns in 2012, Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County recently purchased a residential parcel as part of its plan to build a second St. Johns home during the 2013 construction season.
Habitat for Humanity Director Sue Carroll indicated “We are excited to build another affordable home in St. Johns for a deserving family. The property we purchased is in a great location close to schools, playgrounds and commercial outlets. There is even a terrific bike and walking trail nearby”.
Habitat will muster its volunteers and construction people beginning in May of next year to begin site preparation and construction.
Members present for the Habitat purchase of the St. Johns property are Back Row: (L-R) Dana Beaman, city mayor, and Dennis LaForest, city manager. Front Row: (L-R) Michelle Smith, Habitat board president, Mindy Seavey, city clerk, Sue Carroll, Habitat director, Theresa Fedewa-Wells, Habitat board secretary.
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, non-profit international organization that was founded in 1976. Its mission is to provide decent, affordable housing for families that otherwise might not be able to obtain the needed financing to purchase a home. Studies consistently show there is a strong correlation between home ownership and upward economic mobility and social stability for adults and children.
Director Carroll stressed that Habitat is not a giveaway program. “Our motto is ‘A hand up, not a hand out'”. Ms. Carroll indicated the Clinton County affiliate carefully choose qualifying families who are highly motivated to improve their housing situation. Once selected, families are then required to contribute 250 hours of sweat equity per adult toward the construction of their home, including financial management and home maintenance training. Habitat homeowners make monthly mortgage payments in the same way most families purchase homes.
Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County is actively seeking volunteers and donors for its 2013 home build. The local affiliate has structured many different ways individuals, church groups, public entities and private businesses can participate and contribute to this effort. To obtain more information contact Sue Carroll at director@habitatclinton.org or 989-227-1771.