Electricians help habitat with grant

Last weekend, Brian Samp and other members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local 280 presented Sisters Habitat Executive Director Sharlene Weed with $1,500 from its members. The timing couldn't have been better as Habitat is in the final stretch of meeting its $100,000 matching challenge that will cover the costs of building two more Habitat homes in Sisters.

Habitat's matching grant challenge will end January 31. So far, over $90,000 has been raised and Weed is confident the remaining donations will come in before the end of the month. The funds will be used to construct the first two homes in ClearPine, she said. Letters about the matching challenge were mailed in December to community members who live in the Sisters School District. Plans are to break ground on the lots this summer, she added.

"As a member of IBEW Local 280 I have the privilege of working with many wonderful people that share a common interest. One of the many things we are able to do as a trade union is to give back to the community; our time, our skills and talents. We also are able to access a fund (that we pay into through our working dues) that allows us to support the community in the way of grants to help support organizations such as Habitat for Humanity," Samp said. "Since Habitat is allowing us to use the house as a classroom it just makes sense that we help support the Habitat mission."

The IBEW members donated the labor to wire one home last year. They are currently working on a second in Village Meadows for the Islas family. This year, they hope to wire three Sisters Habitat houses; one in Village Meadows and two in ClearPine, Samp said.

"Habitat is blessed to have the support of major donors and organizations like IBEW. We could not fulfill our mission of building homes, community and hope without them." Weed said.

To help Habitat meet their matching challenge by January 31, Sisters citizens can donate online at http://www.sistershabitat.org/giving/; by mailing in a check to Sisters Habitat, PO Box 238, Sisters 97759; or by dropping off your donation at the office located above the Thrift Store located at 141 W. Main Ave.