From left, Chequila Herman, Corrie Herman, Marcie, Khloe, Jericho, Jace, Tristan, Jude. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley board members, volunteers and donors joined the Herman family for a groundbreaking ceremony for house No. 119 on Blennerhassett Heights Road in Parkersburg Thursday.

Cory, Che and their six children have begun their journey to homeownership, contributing sweat equity time on their house and other houses, according to a release from the local Habitat organization. They will purchase their home through Habitat with a zero-interest mortgage.

Sponsors of the home include the Mary M. Welch Advised Fund through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, Sisters Health Fund, McDonough Foundation, Hope Gas, West Virginia Central Federal Credit Union and the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley. A special sponsorship was given by Parkview United Methodist Church, which joined another congregation last year and made a donation to Habitat in honor of the members of Parkview.

“We are so pleased that this sponsorship will allow the spirit of that congregation to live on in this new home,” said Development Director Lisa Collins.

Over 3,000 volunteer hours are expected to be given to the building of this home, with many organizations and businesses providing lunches for volunteers as well, the release said. Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate lunches at the construction site can email arasmussen@habitatmov.com.

Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley is celebrating 35 years of building in Washington and Wood counties. For more information about becoming a homeowner, volunteer or donor, visit www.habitatmov.com.