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World Habitat for Humanity Day is celebrated on the first Monday in October. During the special observance, Habitat for Humanity joins partners around the world to rededicate themselves to recognize the basic right of everyone to adequate shelter.
This year's recognition day was October 7 and as usual a group of Rutherford County Habitat volunteers were at a building site on Pinkwood Drive in Rutherfordton where a house is under construction. The next day, Tuesday's crew was on a building site off Beaver Street in Forest City where the 80th Habitat home is under construction.
Sheila Cain, Rutherford County's Habitat's family services/resource development director, answered these questions regarding Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity Chapter that was formed in 1987.
Kim Freeman is executive director.
Who were first homeowners?
The first house was built in 1988 and purchased by Jimmy and Belinda Ensley (Belinda is deceased now). They were a family of six. One daughter, Melissa Thompson, assistant vice president and branch manager of HomeTrust Bank is on Habitat's Board of Directors.
How many homes have been built?
There are 78 occupied homes, three under construction
How can people help?
Volunteer building houses, volunteer in ReStores, donate gently used merchandise (we even pick up) to the ReStores and shop at our ReStores, monetary donations, pray for our mission
Volunteers? In addition to the regular Monday and Tuesday crews, how about the other special days? We have special builds throughout the year such as Women Build, Father's Day Build, Hammering for Heroes and new this year is our Labor of Love build for honoring those with breast cancer, those surviving and those we've lost.
What if someone wants to help?
Call Habitat at 828-248-3178 or 828-245-0716; can email rchabitat@att.net.
Are you always looking for homeowners?
We are currently accepting applications for homeownership but we do not always take applications. It depends on how many homeowners we are looking for to build homes for the following year. Right now we are looking for partner families for next year.
How do the Habitat ReStores help?
There are two Habitat ReStores and both are located West Main Street in Forest City -- one at 269 West Main Street, the other 686 West Main Street -- 75% of profit from the stores goes back to Habitat to build houses.
