Stanion Wholesale Electric is responsible for one of the final finishing touches on the Habitat for Humanity house being completed at 1906 Hubbard in Great Bend. The local business donated all of the light fixtures needed to complete the three-bedroom home.
“Our company philosophy revolves around serving others,” said Ron Harms, manager of Stanion Wholesale. “Habitat for Humanity’s cause is noble, and we are proud to support their endeavors by pitching in where we can.”
The non-profit organization plans to recognize Stanion Wholesale, and the dozens of other businesses and volunteers who contributed to the construction of the house, with a community barbecue celebration at 5 p.m. Sunday. All sponsors, donors, supporters, and volunteers area encouraged to attend, said Rachel Mawhirter, Habitat board president. Food and drinks will be provided.
“The reason we hold a ceremony like this is dual purpose,” Mawhirter said. “First, we want to give thanks where thanks is due, but also, it’s a rite of passage for the new homeowners. When we hand over the keys to the house, we’re also giving them the financial and emotional stability they may not have been able to achieve on their own.”
This house 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. “Along with a new home, we also equip our partner families with financial and parenting classes necessary to provide a better life for their children,” Mawhirter said. “Our goal is to give them the tools they need to budget, save and build equity in personal property, which they can then teach to future generations.”
During Sunday’s community barbecue, guests can tour the new home and witness the “handing of the keys” to the new homeowners. For more information about Habitat for Humanity or about the community barbecue, visit www.facebook.com/BartonCountyHabitat.