 The home will be located at 1419 N. McLean St., with its new owners
being Eric and Theresa Baker and their two children, Connor and
Paisley.
The home will be a 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom with ample
space for each child to have their own room.
Up until now, the Bakers have never had an opportunity to own
their own home, and Eric Baker said they are currently living in a
rented property with another family member.
The Bakers have been on the list for a new home for a while and
have done their share of sweat equity on Habitat projects.
Theresa Baker said she has worked at every Culver's fundraiser,
she and Eric both worked on Brandy Mullenbach's home that was
dedicated in March, and Eric has given as much time as possible to
the construction of the new Habitat warehouse on Woodlawn Road.
The lot their home will be built on was donated to Habitat by
William R. and Dianna L. Bishop, and the funding for the
construction was made possible by the Woods Foundation of Lincoln.
During the groundbreaking, Habitat president Bob Chamberlain
offered welcoming remarks, followed by a few words from Mayor Keith
Snyder.
R.P. Lumber Co. was recognized as donors of some much-needed
building supplies for the project, and local store manager Caleb
Peacock spoke on behalf of the company.
Habitat board member Steve Schreiner led the group in the Litany
of Purpose and later spoke briefly about the construction of the
home and the scheduled work dates.
The Rev. Father John Pham of Holy Family Catholic Church offered
Scripture readings.
Board member Larry Martincic is the couple's guide and mentor
through the Habitat process. He introduced the family to the crowd,
then he and the Bakers recited the Litany of Hope.
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Attorney Bill Bates was on hand representing the Woods
Foundation. He spoke briefly, remembering his late partner Robert J.
Woods and his wife, Joan Jarrett Woods, who made the Woods
Foundation possible. Bates then led the group in the Litany of
Faith.
After the official turning of soil, Theresa Baker spoke briefly
on behalf of her family, expressing the happiness the family is now
experiencing at the prospect of at long last being owners of their
own home.
According to Steve Schreiner, construction will begin as soon as
possible, with the majority of the scheduled work days falling on
Fridays and Saturdays.
Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers to do the construction
work on all the home projects and is constantly looking for people
who are willing to give of their time and talents.
Anyone who is interested in giving a few hours or a few days to
the Baker home build is encouraged to contact Habitat.
You can do so by calling 217-732-6412 or by email to
habitatlc@hfhlogancounty.com. The Logan County chapter also has
a website at
www.hfhlogancounty.com.
[By NILA SMITH]
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