Habitat for Humanity to celebrate projects

A permanent home for Justin and Megan Saffell — along with their young daughter, Rylie, 5, and her new baby brother, Paxton, born Sept. 19 — is about to become a reality thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties.

The family will be introduced and tours of their house under renovation will be given at 1:30 p.m. Sunday as part of a day of celebration for the local Habitat affiliate.

The public is encouraged to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at 901 W. Washington St., then caravan to see two other homes where Helping Hands repair projects were recently completed.

The home being prepared for the Saffell family at 901 W. Washington was recently acquired by Habitat with plans for extensive renovation.

According to Harry Ahrenholtz, project manager and Habitat board president, volunteers are excited for the prospect of rejuvenating an attractive home in a nice neighborhood.

“The potential for this home to return to its former glory and to serve again as a nurturing home for another young family is a win-win,” Ahrenholtz said.

“The neighborhood and community benefits from cleaning up a long-neglected property and this great young family gets to grow up together in an attractive, efficient and comfortable home.”

The Saffells will pay for their home through a no-interest mortgage with Habitat.

In addition, they’ll invest at least 450 hours of sweat equity working alongside volunteers in renovating the house.

Homeowner education and financial management classes will also be completed.

The Washington Street project will be the 24th home built or renovated by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with local families.

Two completed Helping Hands repair projects will be dedicated Sunday afternoon as well.

Helping Hands is a home repair program offered by Habitat.

Violet Goodwin’s home at 606 W. State St. received a new roof and fresh paint.

Dedication for Goodwin’s project will be at 2:30 p.m.

Harold Elliot’s residence at 502 N. Vine St. also received a new roof and fresh paint, in addition to a safer back entrance and new gutters and downspouts.

Dedication for Elliott’s project will follow at 3 p.m.

Both homeowners will be repaying the cost of materials through a no-interest loan with low monthly payments.  

Major support for the Helping Hands project came from the Greene County Community Foundation, the Greene County Board of Supervisors and donations from service clubs, churches, businesses and individuals across Greene County.

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