Drywall, check. Light fixtures, check. Carpeting, check. The final touches are being put on the house being constructed at 1906 Hubbard. After many months, thousands of volunteer hours, and countless supporters in the Barton County area, Habitat for Humanity of Barton County announced that its fifth home is complete The non-profit organization will celebrate the project’s completion with a community barbecue at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 24.
“There are so many businesses, individuals, and volunteers who have helped make this project a reality,” said Habitat board president Rachel Mawhirter. “We value their contributions more than they know, so the least we can do is invite them to join us in celebrating this life-changing moment with our new homeowners.”
The three-bedroom home is being purchased from Habitat for Humanity by Daryl and Amber Wilkerson of Great Bend. The couple and their four children have invested hundreds of sweat equity hours into helping construct their new home, and are looking forward to moving in after the barbecue.
“We have learned so much about home repair, managing finances, and parenting from the people with Habitat for Humanity,” Daryl Wilkerson said. “It’s also really cool that the payments we make on our new home will help Habitat build a house for another family.”
This home is the fifth project completed in Barton County since the organization was founded in 2001 after the Hoisington tornado. Habitat for Humanity builds homes at drastically reduced costs, due to the savings created by donated supplies and materials. The homes are built with almost all volunteer labor, which also cuts costs significantly. Each home is sold to a low-income family on a 25-year, zero-interest mortgage, making payments more affordable than renting in many cases.
“Our model gives families the opportunity of home ownership when they might not otherwise qualify for traditional lending,” Mawhirter said. “The financial classes that go along with the sweat equity hours give the homeowners a real sense of empowerment, with the goal of creating a bright future for them and their children.”
The community barbecue is free for all volunteers, donors, supporting businesses, partners, and sponsors. In addition to tours of the home, the homeowners will sign their official ownership documents and receive the keys to their new home. For more information about Habitat for Humanity or about the community barbecue, visit www.facebook.com/BartonCountyHabitat.