Volunteers, supporters celebrate 150th home
COATESVILLE » Habitat for Humanity of Chester County recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of its 150th affordable home in Chester County.
Habitat supporters, sponsors, community members and elected officials gathered outside of the next home to be built at 400 Community Lane and celebrated this milestone Habitat home and future homes.
Habitat Executive Director Chip Huston said the event celebrated more than the homes because it is about welcoming families into their new homes, the volunteers who built the homes and the financial assistance from donors and partners who made the homes a reality.
“I remember when this was just a dream,” Huston said about the site on Community Lane.
He explained that when the group received the Neighborhood Stabilization Grant through the federal government, with help from county officials, that Habitat bought the property on Community Lane in Coatesville when it was a just grassy lot. He noted that there were some concerns about building affordable new homes in the city because of the crime rate and drug issues. Habitat made plans to build 64 homes on that lot and after the ground breaking ceremony for another home, they have 14 more homes to build in that area to reach their goal.
“It’s amazing to see the transformation,” Huston said.
Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone also remembered when there was “nothing here but a promise.” She said she, along with Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline, are “thrilled to be a part” of the process to develop affordable homes in Coatesville.
Additionally, Wells Fargo representatives presented a $160,000 check to Huston and board President Charles Whitford, on behalf of Habitat, for funds to build two more Habitat homes in the neighborhood.
Huston thanked the Habitat volunteers, donators, Chester County commissioners and other partners for their efforts during its more than 25 years of service. He said that affordable housing has become more difficult because costs of living has increased and how much rentals may cost, but he hopes that Habitat can continue to help families in need. He added that Habitat is a faith-based organization that has volunteers’ hands in “God’s work.” He noted that Habitat hopes to build homes in West Grove and asked for prayers for their future work.