Press Release (2/21/08)

Building Houses - Building Hope

Habitat for Humanity empowers low-income families by partnering with them to build decent, affordable housing. Habitat doesn’t give houses away, but rather sells them to families in need through no interest loans. Partner families will complete their sweat equity hours (250 for single and 500 for two person household) by working on Habitat houses or in the Habitat office. Each family is also required to pay a down payment of 2% of the anticipated 20 to 30 mortgage. Poor children comprise the majority of family members who can improve their lives through Habitat housing – and for them, a decent place to live makes all the difference in the world.

Habitat for Humanity was founded on the belief that individuals can make a difference in their local communities. “Community involvement is the backbone of Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County. Habitat houses have been built with widespread support from Fond du Lac County churches, businesses, service organizations, community leaders and volunteer workers. Suppliers and contractors often provide discounts to reduce our construction costs. Financial support comes from individual and group contributions, fundraising events and from state and national foundations. Fond du Lac County is blessed with many capable volunteers that are willing to help. Whether it is donations of time, talent, or tools, the community is graciously willing to help out their fellow neighbor,” says, Kathy Strong-Twohig, Executive Director. “Whether you drive a nail, saw a board, serve on a committee or board, write a check or encourage others to donate, you are a blessing to the work of Habitat for Humanity. Thank you for your contribution and your partnership with us in this Christian Housing ministry”. Strong-Twohig is grateful for the dedicated board support of sixteen community members and wishes to thank them for their commitment to the organization. “Board President, Marcia Snyder has been instrumental in putting together a cohesive team in leading Habitat of Fond du Lac County in our strategic planning”, states Strong-Twohig.

2007 was a very productive and gratifying year for Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County. The 13th and 14th homes were built in the summer, assisting a total of 52 family members who have been able to benefit from owning their own home. Since being founded in 1996, with community support, the FDL County Habitat for Humanity has been able to build homes in Fond du Lac, North Fond du Lac, and Ripon. Terry Tomkowiak, board member and chair of the Building Committee “salutes the Habitat volunteers who contributed over 6000 hours in 2007. It is only with their help that the Habitat goals can be accomplished”.

Habitat for Humanity of Fond du Lac County also relocated this year to 150 S. Brooke Street in Fond du Lac. This move provided our organization with not only more office space, but now houses the new Habitat ReStore, which opened in September. The ReStore now occupies 5000 square feet at this location. The ReStore accepts donations of both new and leftover building materials such as doors, windows and cabinets, along with gently used furniture, tools and household items. The sale of these materials helps to fund future building projects and to recycle useable items. Hours are Thursday and Friday 10-5, and Saturday 9-3. Plans are currently underway to assemble a team of volunteers to deconstruct houses and other buildings for saleable materials.

Most importantly two homes were built for local families by Habitat. A home built for the Rachel and Mike Schneider family is located at 511 4th Street in Fond du Lac and the home for the Gena Miller family is located at 351 3rd Street in Fond du Lac.

With major help from the City of Fond du Lac, through a Community Development Block Grant obtained by John Angeli, building sites in Fond du Lac have been purchased for 2008. Plans are in process for 2008 to build two houses for the qualified families.

Habitat For Humanity affiliates in more than 3,000 communities in 100 nations have built and sold more than 250,000 homes to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages.

The new season of building to provide Habitat housing will begin shortly. We are also looking for future building sites in all of Fond du Lac County. To volunteer your time, talents, materials or land, to request a copy of the summer construction schedule, or for more information please contact Kathy at the Habitat office 921-6623 or email habitatfdl@dotnet.com.