Habitat for Humanity celebrates groundbreakings

Mounds of dirt and mud cover two adjoining lots in the Shorecrest neighborhood, but next year two families will have homes on the site courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Mason County and their own hard work.

On Nov. 7, the nonprofit organization hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its 39th and 40th houses, on Panorama Drive up the hill from Oakland Bay east of Shelton.

House No, 39 will be home to Destiny Bosworth and her three children, 7-year-old Carter Felix, 10-year-old Allison Felix and 17-year-old April Felix. Their next-door neighbors will be Sarah Pippins and her 9-year-old son Robert and 8-year-old Robert. Both will reside in 1,204-square-foot houses with three bedrooms.

"These lots are raw, said Melissa Moore, the group's executive director. Work was set to begin the next day on the foundations, she said.

One of the houses is slated for completion late in February or March, the other in July or August, Moore said.

This is the first time the group has broken ground on two homes simultaneously, said Henry Biernacki, the group's construction committee chairman.

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working with communities in all 50 states and in more than 70 countries that builds affordable homes for people in need. Habitat homeowners help build their home alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. The group's family selection committee chooses homeowners based on the applicant's level of need, their willingness to partner with Habitat, and their ability to repay a mortgage though an affordable payment plan.

Habitat's homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of their own labor, called sweat equity. Along with building new house, Habitat renovates existing homes; helps people repair and improve their homes and neighborhoods; works with communities to address housing needs after natural disasters; and advocates to raise awareness and support for decent and affordable housing around the world.

In February, Habitat for Humanity of Mason County broke ground for its 38th house, the third of a trio of structures in a row on Park Street on the edge of downtown Shelton near Kneeland Park.

Biernacki has volunteered for 21 years and worked on 31 of the houses.

"I'm retired and just enjoy helping people," he said. "The smiles on their faces when they get their house."

The group seeks volunteers, including those with experience in home construction. For more information, call 360-426-8134, or in Belfair, 360-275-5118.