(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Over the weekend, Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley dedicated yet another home — this one a Women Build project that took 160 volunteers (most of whom were female) working 2,165 hours. The Parkersburg home will be purchased by Alisa Pisula not only with the zero percent interest loan through Habitat for Humanity but with her own sweat equity. (She also has agreed to help build other houses through the nonprofit.)

“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.”

The Rock was among the businesses and organizations that donated materials and furnishings for the home.

It takes a lot of support — individuals, businesses, organizations, and of course the family themselves — to build these homes. But that’s exactly the spirit that fuels Habitat for Humanity. The organization helps the rest of us support those who need a place to call home.

“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, during the dedication.

For 35 years, Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley has been bringing people home — 117 homes, in fact. With each new home dedication, we are reminded of the work not just of this organization, but the thousands of people who joined in to the building projects.

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

As we wish Pisula well as she takes this next step in her family’s life, we thank the folks at Habitat for Humanity for once again reminding us we all have a way to give. We all have a way to build.