New Habitat for Humanity homeowner Alisa Pisula, right, embraces her friend Stephanie Jones on the porch of Pisula’s new Plum Street home in Parkersburg after an open house and dedication Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Evan Bevins

PARKERSBURG – A lot of people and organizations worked to make the Pisula family’s new house a reality, and many of them came to Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s dedication of the home Sunday afternoon.

More than 170 people attended the open house on Plum Street in Parkersburg, a Habitat representative said. A number of them stuck around to see new owner Alisa Pisula receive the keys, other gifts and much appreciated prayers.

“Thank you for being here and … continuing to wrap love around Alisa and her family,” said Robin Stewart, executive director of the local Habitat chapter.

It’s been about a three-year journey for Pisula and her sons, Damian and KeAndre. As they prepare to purchase their own home with a zero percent interest loan, Habitat recipients put in sweat equity on their house and agree to help build others.

Pisula said she plans to continue to support Habitat.

Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley board member Carolyn Garrity presents Alisa Pisula with the keys to her new house as Pisula holds a Bible given to her by Garrity and the organization Sunday at the house in Parkersburg. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

“You’re stuck with me,” she said.

According to a release from Habitat, 160 volunteers logged 2,165 work hours on the home. Many of those workers were female as this was a Women Build project. Multiple businesses donated materials and furnishings for the house, and Pisula’s church and employer, The Rock, is purchasing the furniture.

“I can’t say this could happen to a better family,” said David Chisholm, pastor at the Rock, where Pisula is a cook for the church’s day care and school. “The Lord will bless this house and keep this house and make His face to shine upon this house.”

Pisula said her church and Habitat have demonstrated “the body of Christ is coming together.

“When you’re down, don’t ever think you can’t get back up with God’s grace,” she said.

Pat Barker, right, with the Senior Stitchers group presents Alisa Pisula with a quilt during a dedication of Pisula’s new Habitat for Humanity-built home Sunday afternoon in Parkersburg. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Pisula said she struggled with addiction and in poverty for years before a supernatural encounter with God.

Her younger son, KeAndre, called the house a blessing.

“It’s just like a new level of our lives,” he said.

Lisa Collins, Habitat’s director of development and communications, noted Sunday also marks the start of the organization’s 35th anniversary. During that time, they have built 117 houses.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.