Habitat for Humanity of Logan County breaks ground on home no. 25

 

[August 24, 2020] 

On Sunday afternoon a good-sized crowd gathered to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the 25th home build in Logan County by Habitat for Humanity. The home is located at 718 South Madison Street in Lincoln. Upon completion Nicole White and her children Zachary and Sophie will be the proud owners.

The foundation for the home has already been laid and the construction of the home will be led by the Lincolnland Technical Education Center Building and Trades Class along with guidance from Bob Chamberlain of HFHLC.

The day began with HFH President Tonita Reifsteck introducing White and her children. Also called to join the front line for the ceremony were members of the board, clergy, and city of Lincoln governance.

Lincoln’s Acting Mayor Tracy Welch was on hand along with Ward Two alderman Sam Downs. Chaplain Ryan Edgecombe was present with Jamie Voyles, and John Ford was on hand representing LTEC.

Welch spoke saying that he was thankful for HFH and the great work that they have done in our community. He congratulated White on her accomplishments as well. Downs also spoke, congratulating White and welcoming her as a future resident of Ward Two.

Reifsteck then led the Litany of Purpose with White. Edgecombe offered up the scripture reading and also commented on his knowledge of White. He said that White was employed at Christian Village where Edgecombe serves. He noted her dedication to her job and congratulated her on accomplishing the milestone of becoming a homeowner.

HFH board member Marc Schoonover led the Litany of Promise, and then prayer was offered by Jamie Voyles.

John Ford talked about the construction of the home, saying that foundation work had begun on August 5th. He said that his building and trade students would be doing work on the home. Chamberlain also spoke about the build and the process involved.

Board member Cince Bowns delivered the Litany of Faith and spoke about the process of selecting a homeowner in the midst of a pandemic. She noted that there had been a number of applicants who wanted to earn this home. Typically, she said there would have been a series of interviews and in-home visits with the applicants, but due to the Covid-19 those home visits had not been possible. However, she said there were numerous interviews with the applicants and in the end White was the one who stood out as the person who was destined to earn this home.

Bowns also noted that White is anxious to work on her own home, but is also dedicated to helping others with their home builds. She said that White is a giving person who donates her time to other efforts including working hard for Toys for Tots.

With safety strong on their minds, Reifsteck said that the groundbreaking ceremony would take place in stages beginning with the clergy and board members of the HFH. All were to come forward and turn a shovel of soil. Hand sanitizer was to be used before handling the shovels. When that group had finished, then White and her children and other family members present were invited to come up, clean their hands, and then turn soil.

The site of the new home is a nice corner lot with lots of sunshine. The property was donated to HFH by Stacy Bannister and Ed Combs.

There are plenty of opportunities for the community to assist in this home build. Volunteers are needed to provide mid-morning snacks or lunches. There are also work opportunities for anyone who wants to grab a hammer and be a part.

HFH is always in need of monetary donations to assist with current and future building projects and will happily accept property that is build suitable for a future home.

In addition, anyone who would like to serve on the HFH board or on a specific committee is encouraged to contact Habitat for Humanity of Logan County at [e-mail].

Visit the website to see work schedules for this build - https://www.habitat.org/
us-il/lincoln/hfh-logan-county 

[Nila Smith]