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.