PARKERSBURG - The Wood County Habitat for Humanity hopes to be able to help more families have affordable, safe and adequate housing with the announcement of its 2013 Caring Campaign at a kickoff event Monday.
"We chose today to announce this campaign because it is World Habitat Day and we are blessed to live in a community that is so generous and giving," said Wood County Habitat for Humanity executive director Alvin Phillips.
For this fundraising campaign, which began Monday and ends on Feb. 14, 2013, the nonprofit organization hopes to raise at least $100,000, said Charlie Matthews, president of the Wood County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.
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Photo by Jolene Craig
Charlie Matthews, president of the Wood County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, and resource development director Lisa Collins speak during the 2013 Caring Campaign Kickoff Monday at the 63rd Habitat for Humanity Home in south Parkersburg.
"We hope to build four each year, which helps to give 19 people a new house, a safe place to live and a place to be proud of," Matthews said. "We need money to make that happen and by having this campaign, our first in several years, we will be able to accomplish this goal."
In an effort to give the organization a head-start in the campaign, Michael Tucker, president and CEO of the West Virginia Central Credit Union, presented Phillips with a $10,000 donation.
"With this check we are not only giving a monetary donation, but also promising a physical donation of volunteers and aid," Tucker said.
Fact Box
In Brief
Wood County Habitat for Humanity announced its 2013 Caring Campaign with a kickoff event Monday.
The campaign, which began Monday and ends Feb. 14, 2013, has a goal of $100,000.
With pre-made donations, the campaign started with $25,000 pledged, an official said.
Habitat development director Lisa Collins said this donation has pushed the starting amount to $25,000 already pledged.
"It's really amazing," she said. "Maybe we will raise more than the goal to help more families."
In the past 22 years, the local organization has built and dedicated 62 houses to local families.
"These families now have a better place to live, one that is safer for their children and more comfortable for them to live their lives," Phillips said. "We appreciate the help and support we have been given and through this campaign want to encourage everyone to help any way they can."
The 2013 Caring Campaign announcement was made in the 63rd Habitat for Humanity Home on 15th Avenue, which is also being constructed to celebrate Habitat For Humanity's 25 years in West Virginia. This home is one of 25 throughout the state being built to help generate awareness and support for local Habitat chapters.
The home at 4416 15th Ave. is being built for and with Rebecca Sims, her daughter, Amanda Lent, and grandsons Dugan and Dolan Bailey.
"We hope to have the house ready for them to move in by early November," Phillips said.
Habitat for Humanity is working on two more homes to be completed by the end of this year or early next.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry that builds or renovates homes with lower-income families who are living in substandard housing. After being approved, a family works "sweat equity" hours for months, helping with other homes, at the Habitat office and in other ways.
To donate to the 2013 Caring Campaign by giving money or time as a volunteer, contact the Wood County Habitat for Humanity's website at www.woodcountyhabitat.org or call the office at 304-422-7907.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer is welcome, but must be 16 years old or older.
