Affordable housing is a cornerstone to keeping our communities growing and prosperous. Habitat for Humanity is one organization working diligently to help make home ownership a reality for families in need.
Habitat for Humanity is based on a simple principle of lending a helping hand - not giving a handout - to those in need of quality, affordable housing. Those receiving homes are considered "partner families," an important designation signifying the future homeowners' responsibility in the process. Partner families are expected to provide "sweat equity" in the building process and repay a no-interest home loan. Volunteer labor and donated supplies help keep the cost affordable for partner families.
The international, nonprofit, nondenominational Christian organization works to help solve the housing crisis in all corners of the globe. Locally, the Green County chapter has played an important role in helping area families for two decades: Since the early 1990s, the group has helped put more than a dozen Green County families into their own homes.
The local chapter is in the midst of taking another step forward as it works toward building a house in Blanchardville. This will be the first time the group has branched out to tackle a home build in Lafayette County.
This Saturday there's an opportunity for people who believe in Habitat's mission to show their support.
The group's annual Bike 4 Habitat fund-raising event begins in New Glarus and includes a 15-, 30- and 50-mile bike ride, as well as a 5-mile walking route. Details about the event are on the group's website at www.greencountyhabitat.org.
Now, perhaps more than ever, efforts like Habitat for Humanity's are needed. Supporting Habitat's efforts helps ensure the organization can continue to build more houses, for more families, strengthening and supporting our communities in the process.
Habitat for Humanity is based on a simple principle of lending a helping hand - not giving a handout - to those in need of quality, affordable housing. Those receiving homes are considered "partner families," an important designation signifying the future homeowners' responsibility in the process. Partner families are expected to provide "sweat equity" in the building process and repay a no-interest home loan. Volunteer labor and donated supplies help keep the cost affordable for partner families.
The international, nonprofit, nondenominational Christian organization works to help solve the housing crisis in all corners of the globe. Locally, the Green County chapter has played an important role in helping area families for two decades: Since the early 1990s, the group has helped put more than a dozen Green County families into their own homes.
The local chapter is in the midst of taking another step forward as it works toward building a house in Blanchardville. This will be the first time the group has branched out to tackle a home build in Lafayette County.
This Saturday there's an opportunity for people who believe in Habitat's mission to show their support.
The group's annual Bike 4 Habitat fund-raising event begins in New Glarus and includes a 15-, 30- and 50-mile bike ride, as well as a 5-mile walking route. Details about the event are on the group's website at www.greencountyhabitat.org.
Now, perhaps more than ever, efforts like Habitat for Humanity's are needed. Supporting Habitat's efforts helps ensure the organization can continue to build more houses, for more families, strengthening and supporting our communities in the process.
