Board Member Jim Vallance,
Lynn Leech, Board Chair Jim Kvach
Terry Foster, Habitat’s 50th homeowner, waited in anticipation on a hill overlooking the spot where her new home would soon stand. A group of friends and supporters stood with her, including Habitat’s Interim Executive Director, Lynn Leech; Mac Felts and Amy Preddy of State Farm Insurance; and reporters from our two local newspapers. Terry’s parents arrived, their faces glowing with happiness and pride. Everyone eagerly awaited the Big Move.
The action began when a flat-bed truck drove one of the halves of Terry’s home to a crane waiting by the foundation. A giant hook was lowered to meet a cable encircling the structure. The house rose slowly into the air, suspended by the cable. With delicate precision, the crane operator rotated the building into place. Gradually, the house descended to rest on its foundation. The other half of the house was placed next.
Kurt Bennett and his crew of RCHS students arrived and began attaching the roof. These students have spent the past school year working on the home. Kurt’s buildings and trades class teaches high school students the essential skills of house construction by having them build one Habitat home a year.
Terry handed bouquets of yellow daisies to Mac and Amy and thanked them for State Farm’s sponsorship of her house. She said her new home would be a place for friends and neighbors to relax and unwind. “This isn’t just going to be my house, it’s going to be a place for everyone to come and enjoy each other’s company,” she said.
Habitat’s Construction Supervisors, Joe and Kelly, our volunteers and a few skilled tradespeople, will spend the next six weeks putting the final touches on Terry’s home. Then the dedication ceremony will be held and Terry will move in.
Congratulations on your new home Terry! Welcome to the Habitat family!
