Habitat for Humanity of McMinnville began work on its 33rd home Saturday with the help of volunteers from WCHS football team, coach Matt Turner, Oasis Church and Clark Brothers Construction.
“I’m so happy this day has come,” said Christie Jones, owner of the soon-to-be home on Bellewood Drive. “We have only lived in the city limits. The kids are excited about riding their bicycles and having their own personal space and more room.”
Jones is a mother of four, ranging from ages 17 to 5, who applied two years ago to be considered a recipient of a Habitat home. “It’s a harder process than you think. I worked for two years to pay off my credit and increase my income,” Jones said. “This is not a hand out or free house.”
Families should meet the following requirements in order to qualify for Habitat for Humanity. The applicant must live in Warren County at least one full year, have a satisfactory rental history, reasonable credit history, steady income for one year, need housing due to various reasons, work 500 sweat equity hours and earn a yearly gross income between 25-50% of the Warren County median income amount.
The concept of Habitat International is simple. It is not a handout but a hand up. Houses are built with contributed materials and money using volunteer labor. Completed houses are sold and financed over 20 to 30 years interest free. The monthly house payment money paid is then used to finance the construction of more houses.
Homeowners are selected based on a number of criteria such as their present living conditions and their ability to pay for the house. They must also be willing to partner with the affiliate by contributing sweat equity and a small down payment.
“Sweat equity” can be earned by working at the Habitat Store, Meals on Wheels and also helping with the construction of their own homes. Applications are available at McMinnville Electric or on the website http://www.hfhofwarrencounty.com/.
Work will continue on the Jones home every weekend depending on the weather. The completion date is set for June 13. Jones added, “We will drive by all the time just to see it. We are all so thrilled.”
