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.