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Labor Day weekend found the Oak Hills Church congregation laboring in the heat instead of lounging by the pool. That Sunday church members lent a hand to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fredericksburg in clearing the lot behind Habitat’s newest build located at 306 W. Park St. Over 30 people cut down brush, pulled out undergrowth, and chopped weeds at the location. Working alongside church members, new Habitat homeowners Josh and Roxanne Perez and their children literally provided their “sweat equity” as well, 300 hours of which is required by the organization before moving in. The J3 Excavation Company of Comfort, owned by Hugh Jons, provided a skid steer, a dump truck and several employees to haul the brush and debris away. Matthew Mabery of Mabery Construction in Fredericksburg volunteered his expertise and tools as well. Habitat board members Larry and Cynthia Berkman and Tommy Newman were also on site. “It was another great experience of God’s love translated into community effort to help people who are less fortunate than most of us,” said Habitat President Larry Berkman. “The willingness of the workers to toil in the heat of the day was absolutely remarkable.” Habitat homes are built through the donated labor of local volunteers, headed up by construction supervisor Wayne Murphy of Fredericksburg, and by the Care-A-Vanners, volunteer RV Winter Texans, headed up by Dick Aide of Fox Lake,Wisconsin. Habitat homes are three bedroom, one and half baths, with central heat and air. Though there is no garage, there is a parking pad and shed located on the property. Like all Habitat homeowners, the Perez family had to meet strict criteria for consideration for the home. Homeowners must make monthly mortgage payments, which include insurance and taxes. They must be employed, be considered “low-income,” and have no criminal record. Background checks and home visits are made by the Habitat family selection committee. The cost of a Habitat home has grown over the years, from $25,000 for House #1 in 1995 to $90,000 almost 20 years later for House #15. All costs are covered by donations from local businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals, as well as grants. Habitat’s recent “Raise the Roof” fundraiser for House #15 generated over $73,000 from contributions and grants. Habitat will kick off their 2015 “Raise the Roof” fundraiser this fall for House #16, which will be built next to the Perez family’s new home in 2016. To help Habitat continue to “Raise the “Roof” on Habitat House #15 as well as begin House #16, donations are needed and appreciated. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Habitat for Humanity 102 E. San Antonio St. Box 5 Fredericksburg TX 78624. Volunteer “weekend warrior workers” are also welcome and may call 990-8585 or 889-3291 or visit fbghabitat.org for more information. |