Nokomis Habitat Home Dedicated

July 21, 2010

In just two months, an army of volunteers constructed Escambia County Habitat for Humanity’s 17th home.

Construction workers, teachers, bankers, business owners, high school students, ordinary people — over 100 people from all walks of life volunteered their time and skills to make Jennifer Dorriety’s dream of home ownership a reality.

“It’s a dream come true,” Dorriety said recently.

“It’s fun to help and advance the Kingdom of God,” said volunteer Shinora Redmond from Alto Products, one of Habitat’s sponsors for the Nokomis home, as she worked on the first construction weekend back in May.

Many of the volunteers, like Brittany Thompson, 16, had never had in part in building a house.

“I’m here because I wanted to help the people,” said Thompson, one of 14 students from Northview High School that spent part of a May Saturday working on the two bedroom home. “They never had a home of their own, and the home they are living in now is falling apart.”

habitat-house-027.jpgDorriety’s new home, which was dedicated Sunday, will continue to save her money for years to come, said Escambia County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Alecia Glaize. It incorporates many “green” and sustainable features, like Hardiplank siding, a composite concrete and wood fiber board;  bamboo flooring and a long list of energy efficiency features.

Houses constructed by the non-profit Habitat group are not free for recipients like Dorriety. The homes are sold to families at cost — there’s no profit for Habitat. The 20 year mortgages are at zero percent interest, providing much needed savings for those are unable to afford a conventional mortgage.  And new homeowners are required to invest 400 “sweat equity” hours working for Habitat.

The Nokomis Habitat build was a change for the group that has constructed 16 homes in Brewton. It’s the first outside of Brewton, the first in a rural area, the first on a raised foundation, and the first on the future homeowner’s land. But it won’t be the last; plans are underway for an additional home near Atmore.

Pictured top: (L-R) Jennifer Dorriety, her daughter Kaylee and Escambia County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Alecia Glaize at the dedication for Dorriety’s new home in Nokomis. Pictured top inset: Dorriety at Habitat dedication as an army of volunteers and supports (seen in a reflection in the glass) look on. Pictured bottom inset:  Volunteers work during the first weekend of construction.  Pictured bottom: A group of Northview High School students volunteered to help build the home.  NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

One Response to “Nokomis Habitat Home Dedicated”

  1. stuart on July 21st, 2010 6:16 am

    Thanks so much to everyone who volunteered on this project. It was a great encouragement to have so much support.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News