Habitat for Humanity celebrates hope and community

The corner of East Cascade and Cowboy Place was a happy and hopeful place last Wednesday afternoon as two Habitat for Humanity celebrations took place.

The corner, dubbed "Founders' Corner," is formally known as Hammond Place, named after the founders of Sisters Habitat, Hort and Julia Hammond, and is the first subdivision for Sisters Habitat. Executive Director Sharlene Weed was pleased to announce that the final payment for the property purchase was made in August.

A groundbreaking for the home of the Henninger family took place first. The Henningers and their daughters, Raquel and Sarah, will see their home take shape over the coming months.

A home dedication for the Ling-Scott family was next. The home, the first to be built on Hammond Place, honors the founder of Habitat for Humanity International, Millard Fuller, by bearing his name. The street it faces is also named after Fuller.

Darcy Ling-Scott was described by her family partner, Molly Larson, as a "hard worker, and self-starter and a go-getter."

Ling-Scott will live in the home with her three children Skye, Sol and Cassidy.

"Every step of the process made me want to work hard," said Ling-Scott about the sometimes arduous journey to home ownership.

A "Welcome to the Neighborhood" took place, with several neighbors speaking words of encouragement and welcome to the family. In a particularly touching moment, Habitat volunteer Woody Woodson presented the family with a handmade blanket crocheted by Ed Patterson.

Following the groundbreaking and dedication, a Volunteer Appreciation picnic was held at the Village Green. Slick's Que Co. provided a catered barbecue.

Executive Director Weed said an appreciation picnic hadn't been held for several years, and this one launched the "1,000 Hour Club" for volunteers. About 20 volunteers were honored this year. Sisters Habitat appreciates close to 250 volunteers, said Weed.

There are spaces for four more homes in the Hammond Place subdivision, and families are encouraged to apply.

"We have a shortage of families at this time," said Weed.

The uncertain economy has put many qualifying families in a quandary as to whether Sisters can be their long-term home, said Weed. She encourages all interested families to call the Sisters Habitat for Humanity office at 549-1193 to see if they qualify.