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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.
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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
hfh@habitatlogan.org.
Visit the website to see work schedules for this build -
https://www.habitat.org/
us-il/lincoln/hfh-logan-county
[Nila Smith] |
