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ALL HANDS ON
Habitat for Humanity starts project in Hoisington
new Vlc for Hoisngton city council6thPine Day 1
The Habitat for Humanity build in Hoisington was mentioned at Monday nights city council meeting. Volunteers were able to complete the floor of the new three-bedroom structure. Several more work days are planned during the remainder of summer and into the fall. - photo by COURTESY PHOTO

HOISINGTON — Habitat for Humanity: Barton County Area began work on the property located at 322 E. 6th Street. Work days are being scheduled for the following dates: Aug 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3, 10. The organization was granted two lots in the city of Hoisington to help alleviate a shortage of housing that has concerned the community for several years. Through mostly volunteer efforts and donations, the group is able to provide people a hand up, rather than a hand out when it comes to becoming homeowners. The local group was organized in 2001. They partner with families to build or remodel homes, allowing them to purchase the home through a zero-interest, 25-year mortgage. Because the partner families do not pay interest, home ownership is much more affordable than in the private market. In addition, the funds collected in mortgage payments can be re-used to help another family in Barton County.
“It’s like the donations keep giving and giving,” said Austin Coyan, president.
The organization aims to do one build or rehabilitation project each year. Partner families must meet three basic requirements: be willing to partner by putting in 300 sweat equity hours on their home and complete a financial counseling series; have a steady source of income so that they can make consistent mortgage payments, just like they would in a regular bank loan; have a need of some sort, whether it is because they are in an unsafe living environment or because their current situation is too expensive. Anyone interested in applying to become a partner family should email us to request an application.

Volunteer Opportunities
• Volunteers with construction experience are needed to help on our scheduled work days. Work days will be from 8a.m. – 5p.m. Volunteers can help at their leisure and may choose their work days and times. Lunch will be provided.
• Our construction volunteers will need food and water. Volunteers are needed to prepare and deliver food to help feed our work crews on any of the schedule work days. Monetary donations to help with this are also appreciated.
Those interested in volunteering, please email habitatbartoncounty@hotmail.com or message them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BartonCountyHabitat/).