Two families break ground on homes

Sisters Habitat for Humanity broke ground on two single-family homes in Timber Creek on Sunday, and the Loudermilk and Moffett families were both moved to tears at the occasion.

It's a first for Sisters Habitat, working in a neighborhood that requires an architectural review of the house plans and has a homeowners association. But it's sure to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties concerned.

Timber Creek HOA president Laurie Kimmell said, "We're pleased they'll be here working side-by-side in the neighborhood."

Sisters Habitat was able to purchase five lots within the subdivision through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provided stimulus funds to purchase bank-owned property.

Jimmy Loudermilk and his children, Michael, 17, and Kayla, 12, have lived in Sisters for seven years; work begins on their home this week. It's been an interesting journey for Loudermilk; he achieved some notoriety early in 2010 when a news article in The Bend Bulletin revealed that he had been instrumental in saving the life of a hit-and-run victim in Bend on New Years Eve, 2009. A driver for Bend City Cabs, Loudermilk was the first to stop and call emergency services when he discovered the young man lying unconscious in the road.

Habitat volunteer, Larry Lennon, who became one of Loudermilk's family partners, saw the article, tracked down Loudermilk and encouraged him to apply for a Habitat home.

"One thing led to another, and here we are," said Loudermilk as he gathered his children and prepared to sink Habitat's golden shovel into the ground.

Eloise Barry, the Loudermilk's other family partner, reacted with obvious delight and related to the gathered crowd that Native American culture is important to Jimmy and his family. She read a Native American blessing, and then the crowd stood silently as Dave Lewis asked God's blessing on the land that will become the Loudermilk's new home.

Next door, the Moffett family home will begin construction in a few months. The young family has lived in Sisters for three and a half years, moving from the Bay Area to join several family members already in Sisters. Tim Moffett's mother, who has been sharing her home with the family, encouraged them to submit an application to Habitat.

The groundbreaking, deemed by Board of Directors President Jerry Hanford as "the second-most-wonderful Habitat day, after the home dedications," is an emotional time, evidenced by the tears and watery smiles of the families, and cheers and encouragement from the gathered crowd.

Volunteers are always welcome during the building phase; for more information contact Sisters Habitat for Humanity at 541-549-1193.