Sisters Habitat brings joy to families

Tears of joy were shed as Sisters Habitat for Humanity broke ground for a new home and also dedicated a completed home on Sunday, April 5.

The afternoon's events began with the groundbreaking ceremony for the first home to be built in the Hammond Place subdivision, located just east of Sisters Elementary School on Cowboy Street. The subdivision was named in honor of the founders of Sisters Habitat, Hort and Julia Hammond.

The home is to be purchased by the Ling-Scott family and will be built in memory of Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller. Fuller, an "affordable housing hero," visited Hammond Place in October of 2007 to dedicate the subdivision.

Habitat Board President Neil Burck thanked the community for their dedication of time and fund-raising efforts.

Sisters Habitat founder, Julia Hammond, added, "When one can own a home and the children have their own bedroom... that is truly amazing."

"It's been a long process, but I feel so excited to begin work on my home," said Darcey Ling-Scott.

Ling-Scott will purchase the first home built in the Hammond Place subdivision, and plans to live there with her children, Skye, Sol and Cassidy.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, Habitat dedicated a home for Penny Guinn and her son, Max. Four years ago, Penny began the process of applying for a Habitat home, and put in the many hours of sweat equity required to make it a reality.

"It's very cool to watch people come and volunteer when they could be sitting at home doing their own thing," she said.

Habitat Executive Director Sharlene Weed thanked the Sisters community and the many donors who worked together to make the dream of a home a reality. Father Logan then presented the new homeowner, Penny Guinn, with a bible and led the crowd in a shared blessing.

Major sponsors of the home included the Ford Family Foundation, Softwood Lumber, Habitat Thriftstore, Habitat ReStore and Homeowner Mortgage.

For more information about Sisters Habitat for Humanity, call 549-1193.