Local

Family proud of new Habitat home

By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer

Jan. 23, 2002 - Their home was an old trailer. The floor had holes. Pipes leaked water.

Today, they live in a new three-bedroom home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

“If it hadn’t been for God and Habitat we would still be out there,” said Johnny Smith.

Smith, his wife Darlene and their three daughters are proud to call the Hoke Street residence home.

“I don’t have to move any more,” Darlene Smith said, the relief evident on her face. The family had made so many moves, they had learned to pack in just a day.

“They’ve really helped us a lot,” Johnny Smith said. “You don’t find many people to do like they did.”

The Smiths encourage others to apply. Applications are being taken through Feb. 11.

Household income guidelines for Habitat homes are as follows:

One person: $8,929 to $17,857

Two: $10,204 to $20,408

Three: $11,480 to $22,959

Four: $12,755 to $25,510

Five: $13,775 to $27,551

Six: $14,796 to $29,592

Seven : $15,816 to $31,632

Eight :  $16,837 to $33,673

Homeowners put in “sweat equity,” working at the Habitat Home Store, their own home and other Habitat homes.

“You have to do your part. They expect you to do your part and they stand by their part,” Smith said.

Habitat is accepting applications through Feb. 11.

The next two houses will be built in Pumpkin Center. Volunteer construction crews are finishing work on a home near those vacant sites.

“You can see it popping out of the ground and becoming a home,” said Pat Wang, Habitat board member.

Volunteers are eager to build on the other two lots, according to Wang. St. Peters-by-the-Lake Episcopal, Salem and Denver United Methodist and Unity Presbyterian have supplied volunteers.

Anyone wishing to volunteer should call Celia Deese at 704-483-5778.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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