PARKERSBURG - The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity is receiving a grant to build a special house to commemorate Habitat's 25 years in West Virginia.
Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia was awarded $25,000 from the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund for the Habitat for Humanity "World of Hope" home being built in Parkersburg as part of the 25th anniversary celebration in West Virginia in 2012.
The Wood County Habitat chapter was awarded $20,000 for construction of the home, and $5,000 was granted to Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia.
''We are thrilled to be building the 'World of Hope' house to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity in West Virginia,'' said Alvin Phillips, executive director of Wood County Habitat for Humanity. ''This house symbolizes the partnership that we have with Habitat for Humanity International and the homes that are being built all around the world.
''The Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund has been so generous with our entire community. The Sisters have been an important part of our area for over 100 years. We continue to be grateful for a partnership with them.''
The first Habitat organization in West Virginia was established in Preston County in 1987.
Habitat uses volunteer labor, donations and donated materials and land to keep homes affordable for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to own their own homes through conventional means.
Habitat homebuyers are required to attend homebuyer education classes, complete "sweat equity" hours, and pay a zero-percent interest mortgage.
The State Support Organization for West Virginia is partnering with Habitat affiliates throughout West Virginia to promote and support the building of 25 special-themed homes in 2012, said Lora Pierce, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia.
In addition to the "World Of Hope" home in Parkersburg, other homes are being built across the state to commemorate people, like the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, and highlight other accomplishments of Habitat groups around the state. Fundraising is under way to build many of these houses.
These homes will promote awareness about the work of Habitat throughout the world.
''Habitat for Humanity has a broad mission to 'eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth,''' Pierce said. ''This special anniversary build will allow excellent opportunities to provide awareness and educate the public about the work not only being done here in West Virginia and the U.S., but it will also bring to light the efforts of Habitat affiliates from Africa to Asia to the Middle East.''
This project in Parkersburg reminds everyone that Habitat extends around the world.
''We all play a part in that,'' Phillips said.
With the Wood County chapter receiving this grant award to build this house, Phillips said they can now extend their existing funding further on other local projects. Fundraising measures are being planned for future projects. Habitat operates a Re-Store locally and applies for grants for funding, Phillips said.
The Parkersburg 'World of Hope' home will be built at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Rayon Drive. Foundation work has started.
Another house is lined up to be constructed next door.
Families are lined up for both houses.
''They are getting ready to begin the construction work on their houses,'' Phillips said of both projects. ''We are looking forward to getting started.''
The "World of Hope" house is expected to be completed by late April or early May.
