Since its founding in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International has built and rehabilitated more than 300,000 houses with partner families, helping house more than 1.5 million people and becoming a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.
Locally, Habitat for Humanity for Shelby County is preparing for the House Blessing on their sixth house. Habitat for Humanity for Shelby County president, Winston Campbell said the group’s goal of building one house per year is close to being on target.
“We were chartered in April 2001 and our goal of building one house per year is almost on schedule,” said Campbell.
The House Blessing on this sixth house will be held on Sunday, January 11 starting at 2 p.m. This house is located at 1214 W. S. 3rd St. Shelbyville. This house is located just east of the fifth house built by Habitat for the partner family of Bob and Neka Karcher.
“We had two lots that were donated to Habitat and so we took advantage of those lots and built the fifth and sixth houses next to each other,” said Campbell.
This sixth house built by Habitat is for the partner family of Christine Watton and her two daughters, Paige and Abbie. Paige, 16, is a sophomore a Shelbyville High School and Abbie, 13, attends Moulton Middle School. Christine works for Wave Graphics in Mattoon.
“We are all excited about the prospect of moving into our new home,” said Watton.
Watton has completed her 200 hours of “sweat equity” which is required by partner families. She said working with Habitat has taught her and her daughters some valuable lessons.
“We have learned the value of volunteerism and doing what you have the ability to do to help people out,” said Watton.
The House Blessing will start with Campbell welcoming everyone. Then Pastor Greg Breeden who pastors the church (First Church of the Nazarene) the Wattons attend, will give the opening prayer and then bless the house. Campbell will next present the keys to the family. The family will be presented a Bible and then have the opportunity to say a few words. There will be refreshments provided by the church members. Breeden will then give the closing prayer.
“This should be a short but hopefully meaningful ceremony,” said Elma Rincker, publicity director for Habitat.
Rincker said that with the completion of their sixth house, the organization is looking forward to starting on their seventh house.
Rincker reminds residents Habitat for Humanity for Shelby County is always looking for volunteers and donations. If you can contribute in either of these areas, you should contact Rincker at her business which is Merle Norman Cosmetics on Main St. in Shelbyville. Her business phone number is 774-4233.
Local News
Habitat for Humanity for Shelby County Plans House Blessing for Their Sixth House
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