Habitat breaks ground on home build no. 24

 

[July 30, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

On a soggy Sunday afternoon, people stood shoulder to shoulder under a single tent on Sixth Street in Lincoln. They were there on a cool rainy day to celebrate a ground breaking ceremony for Habitat for Humanity of Logan County.

Among those on hand were several of the Habitat board members, Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman, Aldermen Michelle Bauer and Ron Fleshman, Pastor Laurie Hill and Pastor Adam Quine, home recipient Sara Harvey and her daughters Lynzie and Emma, and members of the community as well as relatives to the Harvey’s.

Bill Sahs - center

The ceremony began with welcoming comments from Habitat President Bill Sahs. Sahs, who has been a part of the Habitat organization since day one, recalled that it was more than 26 years ago when a few people got together in Lincoln and decided that there had to be a way to help deserving families own their own homes. Through the efforts of that group the Logan County chapter of Habitat for Humanity was formed and in its 26 years, this groundbreaking marked the 24th home to be built in the county.

After his opening remarks, Sahs led the group in the Litany of Purpose followed by a Unison Prayer led by Pastor Laurie Hill. Pastor Adam Quine then shared scripture and offered spiritual encouragement to the Harvey family.

Center - Pastor Laurie Hill

Pastor Adam Quine

Sahs led the Litany of Promise and Hill followed with a second prayer. For this build, the property has been donated from the Bernie Behrends Estate. Sahs and past President Cince Bowns were excited to share that the Lincoln Technical Education Center Building Trades program will be working on this build. This is the second home in recent years that the LTEC program has been involved with.

Lynzie, Sara and Emma Harvey

Sara Harvey and her daughters led the Litany of Hope with Sahs. Christy Turley led the Litany of Faith, then city officials Goodman, Fleshman and Bauer spoke briefly. Each in their own way expressed appreciation to the Habitat program for its dedication to improving the quality of life for local families.

Left to right:  Christy Turley, Mayor Seth Goodman, Aldermen Ron Fleshman and Michelle Bauer

Goodman noted the value of providing deserving families with their own homes and Fleshman commented on the quality of construction that comes from the Habitat builders. Bauer noted that the new home is in Ward 2, the ward she and Fleshman represent, and said she was looking forward to seeing the home go up. She also noted that she would make plans to be on hand for part of the work.

After this, the Harvey’s were joined by family and friends and members of the Habitat board in turning the first spade of soil in the construction of the new home. Thankfully the rain stopped long enough for the turning of soil that took place out from beneath the tent.

Back under the tent, Sara Harvey read from a prepared statement noting that she had begun the process of home ownership about one year ago. She thanked the many people who had offered her encouragement and support through the process. She offered special thanks to the students and parents she serves at the Christian Child Care in Lincoln.

The ceremony came to a close with the benediction delivered by Pastor Quine.

When the home is completed Harvey will live there with her 20-year old daughter Lynzie and her 13-year old daughter Emma. Bowns said right now there is no completion date set for the build.

[Nila Smith]