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Morris Family Habitat Home Blessing

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:09:05 +0100

Shelton, WA, April 4, 2012 - Habitat for Humanity of Mason County is pleased to invite the public and our sponsors to a house blessing ceremony for the Morris Habitat home. The ceremony will be held Sunday, April 15th, 2:00pm, at the home located at 50 East Park Drive, Shelton. Refreshments will be served.
The ceremony is a celebration of the Morris family, all those who lend a hand in the build, and the home. Guests will be invited to write a special message or prayer on the studs and drywall throughout the home.
Michele and Keith Morris, with their son, Dayton, 4, and twin girls, Jordyn and Jenna,2, have worked hard towards their Habitat home to get through the application process, including meeting income and credit guidelines and working on completing 400 hours of “sweat equity” needed before they can move into the home. Starting the process over two years ago, the Morris family have gone from being unemployed and living with family to Keith finding full-time employment and Michele being a stay-at-home mother and working towards a bachelor’s degree in Administration.
“We have hit rock bottom once, and this is the perfect opportunity to work back up,” says Michele Morris. “We did not want to raise our children in an apartment, wanting them to have a secure future. Because of Habitat, we now are now able to think about and plan for the future instead of struggling day to day.”
The Morris’ spend the weekends working on their new home. They are always inviting friends, family and the community to help. Michele has even started a Facebook page with updates and pictures of the progress of their house. Michele enthusiastically says “don’t give up, push for what you believe in.”
The Morris home is being built through a partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and their alliance entitled Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, which provides 55% of the funding for this home through a grant, plus individual donations. The following donors have also sponsored the home with much needed building supplies: Simpson Timber Company, Olympic Panel Products, Green Diamond Resource Company and American Reinforced Plastics.
For more information on the ceremony, becoming a volunteer or on how you can be a future Habitat homeowner, please call (360) 426-8134 or visit www.habitatmasonwa.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Mason County: Habitat for Humanity of Mason County is a faith-based housing ministry partnering with the community to improve, maintain and build affordable quality housing for those in need. By engaging the entire community, we offer programs for people in need of affordable home-ownership opportunities and programs for current homeowners seeking to preserve their homes. Through partnerships with families, volunteers and donors, we work together to improve the living conditions of families in Mason County. Since 1996, Mason County Habitat has worked with 21 families with 57 children in building homes and many more through rehabilitating homes.

About Thrivent Builds Home Program: Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar volunteer and advocacy partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. As a not-for-profit, faith-based membership organization, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, through its 2.5 million members, multiplies the impact of Habitat for Humanity by providing resources of volunteer time and talent, as well as financial contributions. Thrivent Financial is the largest non-government sponsors for Habitat for Humanity. Thrivent recognizes that owning a home is a family’s largest financial asset, and a key building block for economic independence.

Wall Raising Ceremony at Habitat home #20

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:07:19 +0100

Shelton, WA, February 17, 2012 – Habitat for Humanity of Mason County welcomes the public for the Wall-Raising Ceremony of the Morris family’s future home at 50 East Park Drive, Shelton on Saturday, February 25th, at 10 a.m. The raising of the first wall is an important step in the homeownership process, and we would love for community members to join us for the celebration of this happy occasion.

The Morris home is being built through a partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and their alliance entitled Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, which provides 65% of the funding for this home through a grant.

The three-bedroom, two bathroom home will be for the Morris family, who have worked hard to get through the application process, including meeting income and credit guidelines and working on completing 400 hours of “sweat equity” needed before they can move into the home. The family will be on site working on these hours, meeting volunteers, and learning valuable skills that will help them when they become homeowners. Once the house is finished, the family will buy the home from Habitat for no profit, with a 0% interest loan. This home is part of an effort to support Habitat for Humanity with its goal of providing, simple, decent and affordable shelter for people in need. Each of the Habitat for Humanity homes are built and certified to EnergyStar efficiency standards.

Albright Family Received their Habitat for Humanity Home & Habitat Starts House #20

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:05:10 +0100

Shelton, WA, February, 6 2012 – January 29th was a special day for the Albright family as they were given the keys to their new home (house #21) in Shelton through a dedication ceremony with a crowd assembled in the home.

At the close of each build, we turn over the keys to the new homeowner and have a special ceremony to bless the home and those who will live in it. The ceremony consisted of prayer for the home and family and a presentation of a bible, quilts, and a basket of food. The quilts were made by New Community Church of Union and Faith Lutheran Church Sewing Saints. Our friends at Grocery Outlet filled the home with food, bathroom essentials and more. South Sound Reading Foundation provided a basket of books for the children.

Danisa and Robert Albright and their two sons, Ethan and Aaron, worked hard on their new home, alongside their dedicated and talented family and site construction manager, Bret Barrish. The home was a foreclosed home that was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with new and recycled materials from the Habitat Store.

Our next home (house #20) is dedicated to the Morris family and is being built through a partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and their alliance entitled Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, which provides 65% of the funding for this home through a grant.

To learn more about Thrivent Builds and how you, your church and community can help, join us for a free informational spaghetti feed on Sunday, February 12th, 12:15pm at the Faith Lutheran Church at 1212 Connection Street in Shelton.

Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families in need. The Habitat house is purchased by the partner family with a no-interest, no-profit mortgage. The homeowners commit to the program with their 400 hours of sweat equity down-payment and two mortgage contracts.

Habitat for Humanity Celebrates the 11th Annual Spring Tea & Fashion Show

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:02:36 +0100

Shelton, WA, March 3, 2011 – Habitat for Humanity of Mason County proudly presents their 11th Annual Spring Tea & Fashion Event to take place on Sunday, April 3rd, at 2:00 p.m. which will be held at the beautiful setting of Harmony Hill Retreat Center in Union, WA.

The event is known for its delectable high tea and fashion show showcasing Lady of the Lake in Shelton and the Pier 101 Gift Shop & Women’s Boutique in Hoodsport. “This event shows the softer side of Habitat for Humanity,” says Sandy Murphy, committee member. “We are also proud to highlight Mason County retailers and supporters, who have been overwhelmingly supportive from sponsorships to cupcakes!”

Tickets are $25 per person or $160 for a table of 8. Tickets may be purchased in Shelton at: Lynch Creek Floral, Lady of the Lake and the Habitat Store; in Hoodsport at Pier 101 and in Belfair at the Habitat Store. You may also purchase tickets directly from the Habitat for Humanity of Mason County office at 216 West Cota Street in Shelton.

“This is our annual signature event,” said Tammey Newton, executive director “and we are so excited to have community partners like Our Community Credit Union, Hood Canal Communications, the Hiawatha Corporation, D. R. Gardner Accounting and Sam Sevier, LLC supporting us with their sponsorships of the event.”

Event proceeds help Habitat for Humanity of Mason County to improve, maintain and build affordable quality housing for members of the community who are in need.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for additional event sponsors, auction donations, volunteers and restaurants and bakeries to participate in the success of the event.

For reservations or more information, please contact the Habitat for Humanity office at (360) 426-8134 from Shelton or (360) 205-3250 from Belfair or visit the website at www.habitatmasonwa.org.

Habitat for Humanity Receives Grant from The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:43:23 +0100

Shelton, WA, February 21, 2011 - Habitat for Humanity of Mason County received a $5,600 grant from the Marco J. Heidner Fund through the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound. The grant will provide funds to recruit, train and deploy the volunteers needed to meet the increased low-income housing needs of the community.

“One of our greatest challenges is that we are volunteer limited,” said Tammey Newton, Executive Director. Habitat homes are built with volunteer construction crews from the ground up. Volunteers also oversee the “A Brush with Kindness” program, assist in running the Habitat Stores, serve on committees, and give a helping hand at special events and at the office. Last year, 107 volunteers donated 4,883 hours supporting their local community through Habitat for Humanity. Habitat notes that this year they need to increase their volunteer base significantly to keep pace with incoming requests.

Recognizing volunteers for their many contributions is important. “Happy volunteers who are having fun keep coming back,” stated Michele Palomino, Volunteer Coordinator. “We are excited to be able to use a portion of the funds to recognize our wonderful volunteers for their hard work and dedication to our mission.”

“Without these hometown heroes, Habitat for Humanity would not be cost effective.” Tammey Newton, Executive Director went on to say, “If we had to budget for a construction crew, the homes would not be affordable to our partner homeowners.” In addition, the lower the costs the greater the number of families Habitat can serve each year. The total cost for a Habitat Home is around $90,000 which includes land, infrastructure and completed construction.

“Our volunteers not only create a positive impact with the families and homeowners they work with, but the community overall with improvements that are felt throughout the entire neighborhood,” said Mrs. Newton. “Simply put, none of this would be possible without the support of community partners like ‘The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound’ and the ‘Marco J. Heidner Fund’.”

Whether you want to swing a hammer or paint, take in Store donations or help stuff envelopes, Habitat has many ways to volunteer. For more information on how you can volunteer or support Habitat for Humanity of Mason County call the office at 360-426-8134 in Shelton, 360-205-3250 in Belfair or visit the website at www.habitatmasonwa.org.

Habitat for Humanity’s Schilling Park Receives 2060 Funds Grant

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:57:30 +0100

Shelton, WA, January 15, 2011 – Habitat for Humanity of Mason County received $200,000 from the 2060 Funds to begin permitting and construction of Schilling Park, an eight unit complex located on West Franklin Street in Shelton.

The 2060 funds are raised by the County Auditor who is authorized to collect a $10 surcharge on each document recorded with the County Auditor’s office. The funds are dedicated to provide housing programs for low income persons throughout the County. “It has been a goal of Habitat for Humanity of Mason County to build a multi-unit complex and with these funds Schilling Park is now able to move forward” says Tammey Newton, Executive Director. “The receipt of these funds shows how much Mason County cares about their community and the direction they want to see it moving.”

Schilling Park will be built on surplus property Habitat for Humanity of Mason County purchased from the county on West Franklin Street in Shelton. With the donated help of Grant Foster, of Foster-Williams Architects in Shelton, a current plan has been developed for up to four duplexes creating eight units sharing the property. The duplexes can be built with 2 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms, fitting each family’s needs. The first duplex is scheduled to begin construction in the fall of 2011.

“We are in the process of looking for families to fill these units” says Laura St. George, Family Selection Committee Chairperson. “If you are a family in need of safe, livable housing, make between 30%-60 % of the median income for Mason County, and have lived in Mason County for over one year you are encouraged to apply.”

“Overall we will need to raise approximately $480,000 more to complete the project, which is our most ambitious fundraising goal to date,” says Newton who added, “good housing has a significant impact on a community overall, studies show us that good housing communities attract economic investment and development which in turn contributes to thriving school systems and community organizations.” Habitat is currently seeking community partners who are able to support this project with in-kind donations of materials, time or skills and invites members of the community to become a “Friend of Schilling Park” with monetary donations.

For more information on how you can become a friend of Schilling Park, apply for a home, volunteer or support Habitat for Humanity of Mason County call the office at 360-426-8134 in Shelton, 360-205-3250 in Belfair or visit the website at www.habitatmasonwa.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Mason County: Habitat for Humanity of Mason County is a faith-based housing ministry partnering with the community to improve, maintain and build affordable quality housing for those in need. By engaging the entire community, we offer programs for people in need of affordable home-ownership opportunities and programs for current homeowners seeking to preserve their homes. Through partnerships with families, volunteers and donors, we work together to improve the living conditions of families in Mason County. Since 1996, Mason County Habitat has worked with 18 families with 49 children in building or rehabilitating homes.

Habitat for Humanity Receives Grant from Lucky Dog Casino

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:54:13 +0100

Shelton, WA, December 27, 2010 –Habitat for Humanity of Mason County received a $500 grant from Lucky Dog Casino on DeShelton, WA, December 27, 2010 –Habitat for Humanity of Mason County received a $500 grant from Lucky Dog Casino on December 17th.

The grant will be used for Habitat’s “A Brush with Kindness” program. With the help of volunteers, the “A Brush with Kindness” program partners with low-income homeowners to restore their homes so they can continue to live in a safe, decent and affordable home. This program not only helps families and communities in need, but it helps create neighborhood stability and preserves the home values in Mason County. The “A Brush with Kindness” program includes exterior painting, building ramps, roof repairs, window repairs and other minor home repairs.

“We are excited to have Lucky Dog Casino and the Skokomish Tribe as community partners.” said Tammey Newton, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. “This grant will provide us the opportunity to support even more low-income homeowners in Mason County.”

For more information on how you can receive assistance from “A Brush with Kindness” program or to volunteer or support Habitat for Humanity of Mason County call the office at 360-426-8134 or visit the website at www.habitatmasonwa.org.

Fewell Family Receive Their Habitat Home for the Holidays

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:41:39 +0100

Shelton, WA, December 7th – Cassandra Fewell and her three children were handed the keys to their new home built by Habitat for Humanity of Mason County on Sunday, December 5th at a special dedication ceremony. The ceremony took place at the home, located at 61 E Wood Lane in Shelton, the second home completed by Habitat for Humanity of Mason county in 2010.

“I didn't just get a house, I got to meet a community of great people,” says home recipient Cassandra Fewell. “It is a great feeling that I can provide not just a house, but a home for my family.”

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families in need. The Habitat house is purchased by the partner family with a no-interest, no-profit mortgage. The homeowners commit to the program with their 400 hours of sweat equity down-payment and two mortgage contracts.

"This ceremony shows how much support the community, donors, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Lutheran churches and the dedicated volunteers give our families and our cause," said Tammey Newton, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. “Without each and every one of them, this home would not be a reality.”

Habitat for Humanity of Mason County will break ground shortly on House Number 19, which is adjacent to the Fewell property.

For more information on how your church can get involved in building a home, or how you can apply to be a partner family, volunteer or support Habitat for Humanity of Mason County call the office at 360-426-8134 or visit the website at www.habitatmasonwa.org.

Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Proudly Dedicate Home to Fewell Family

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:38:35 +0100

Shelton, WA, November 29th – Habitat for Humanity of Mason County will proudly hand the keys over to the Fewell family’s new home on Sunday, December 5th at a special dedication ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the home, located at 61 E Wood Lane in Shelton at 2 PM, the second home completed by Habitat for Humanity of Mason county in 2010.

This home was built in partnership with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and their alliance entitled Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, which provided 65% of the funding for this home through a grant. Local Lutheran Churches, including Faith Lutheran and Mt. Olive Lutheran in Shelton, Christ Lutheran in Belfair and Living Stones Prison Congregation provided an additional 10% in funding and 60% of the volunteer Labor. Community members are invited to enjoy refreshments and take a tour of the home created by volunteers who donated hundreds of hours of work to build the house, along with the Fewell’s 400 hours of sweat equity.Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families in need. The Habitat house is purchased by the partner family with a no-interest, no-profit mortgage. The homeowners commit to the program with their sweat equity down-payment and two mortgage contracts.

"This ceremony serves as an opportunity to thank the community, our donors, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Lutheran churches and the dedicated volunteers for their continued support," said Tammey Newton, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. "Our volunteers and partner families are the heart of Habitat house. Our volunteers keep Habitat homes affordable for the homeowner to purchase.”

"We surely could not have accomplished this without the donations of a portion of building materials," Bert Pedersen, President of the Habitat for Humanity of Mason County, added, "I would like to especially thank our community partner, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Lewis Mason Thurston Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and their volunteers for allowing this home to become a reality for the Fewell family.”

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit financial services membership organization helping nearly 3 million members thrive in life. Thrivent Financial and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial brings its members together for social educational and volunteer activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need.

Habitat for Humanity Now Accepting Applications for Qualified Families

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:27:25 +0100

Shelton, WA, October 14th – Habitat for Humanity of Mason County is accepting applications for qualified partner families for homes being built in 2011. Qualified families show a housing need, have lived in Mason County for at least one year, are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity and have the ability to make a low monthly mortgage payment.

Habitat for Humanity builds homes using volunteer labor and sells them to partner families at no-profit. “Our partner families are low-income and low-income working members of our community who are seeking to be home buyers but would not qualify for traditional home loans.” said Tammey Newton, Executive Director. Financing for a Habitat for Humanity home is available through low interest USDA mortgages or a no-interest mortgage through Habitat for Humanity of Mason County.

“If a family has a steady gross income of 30-50% of the current median for Mason County, the willingness to work 400 hours of ‘sweat equity’ as down payment towards their new home and are in need of a safe living environment, they are encouraged to apply” says Laura St. George, chair of the Family Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Mason County.

“Habitat homeowners become part of the solution for eliminating inadequate housing in our community,” says Newton “not only do they experience a hand up and a homeownership opportunity but their monthly mortgage payments are used to help build more Habitat houses.” Using this sustainable model, Habitat for Humanity of Mason County will soon break ground on house number nineteen.

To apply for homeownership through Habitat for Humanity of Mason County call 360-426-8134 or visit the website at www.habitatmasonwa.org.