Habitat dedicates 23rd home

Lupe Chamberlain breaks ground at her new home. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Last Saturday afternoon, December 7, was a happy day for Lupe Chamberlain and 50 of her friends who gathered at the dedication of Habitat for Humanity's 23rd Sisters area home site.

Chamberlain will move in next year when construction is completed.

The home, located at 379 E. Saint Helens, will be a one-bedroom, one-car garage unit.

"Lupe will turn this house into a home," said Joe Eckstine, manager at Papandrea's Pizzeria where Lupe works.

In order to qualify for her home, Lupe had to put in 500 "sweat equity" hours of work on Habitat projects.

"She put in her 500 hours in record time," said Judy Jensen. "She's also planning a white picket fence and sunflowers for her new home."

Each new home recipient is paired with family partners from Habitat. Eloise Barry and Nora Ellison, Lupe's partners, both had glowing words of praise for her.

"She is a fine, hardworking person who has lived in Sisters for seven years and now looks forward to her new cottage home," said Barry.

A four- to five-month completion schedule is expected.

"We can use consistent help at the building site," said Lee Kupchek, Habitat volunteer. "We're presently working on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and interested people may call Habitat central at 549-1193 for information. We generally have seven or eight people working at the site and it can get up to as many as 20 workers."

"Our costs for Habitat homes are about $50 per square foot plus land," said Nora Ellison.

Costs are increasing.

"Land costs have risen dramatically in the Sisters area," said Dave Barry. "It's a continuing problem to find land and build affordable units for people."

Chamberlain got to use the "Golden Shovel" to symbolically turn the first dirt at the dedication ceremony. She thanked everybody for their efforts and for working to get her into the new home.

"I'll continue to work on Habitat building projects so other people can also benefit as I have," she said.

Larry Gallegly was cited for having laid the squarest foundation at Lupe's home site during last week's work.

Pastor Ron Gregg gave the inspirational message and blessing for Chamberlain's new home.

Neighbors Lynn Watson and Carol Goodman warmly welcomed Lupe Chamberlain to the neighborhood.

Refreshments of cookies and punch for the assembled group completed the dedication. A warm fire helped raise everybody's spirits on the chilly afternoon.