Habitat dedicates two homes
More than a year of effort paid off for two families in the Pleasant Street Historic District Saturday with the dedication of two unique Garland County Habitat for Humanity homes, a celebration attended by the Gateway Community, local nonprofit organizations and volunteers who helped make their dream a reality.
Natasha Ngassa and Heather Phillips both received homes on Garland Street courtesy of Garland County Habitat for Humanity after they were approved for housing over a year ago. Since then, both women have put in countless hours working on their new homes.
“As a Habitat recipient, you are required to put in what (Habitat) considers hours, that’s the amount of time you use donating time to help build someone else’s house and your own house. So I’ve definitely put my own blood, sweat and tears into the foundations of my new home,” Ngassa said.
The two houses dedicated Saturday were the 139th and 140th built by Habitat for Humanity in Garland County. According to Executive Director Cindy Wagstaff, the entire process, from application to moving in, takes about a year and a half.
The application process is open once a year, and around nine families are selected to receive a home built by Habitat for Humanity. Once they are approved for housing, they receive an advocate who helps walk them through the process from start to finish.
The houses are primarily built by volunteers using free and reduced-price materials, so the affordability factor remains intact. This allows for families that may have been struggling to make ends meet in less than adequate living conditions move into a better, more affordable home.
“We were able to reduce the cost of (Heather’s) house by over $40,000 thanks to community support. I happen to know that her house payment will be half of what she was paying in rent,” said Wagstaff.
This marks the first time that Habitat has tackled building in a historic district, and Wagstaff feels they “rose to the occasion.” The decision to build inside the historic district came about after Petrella Pollefeyt donated the land used to build four new homes in the district.
“She grew up in this neighborhood, and this particular piece of land has been in her family for several generations. Her father’s wish was that there would be houses on this property,” said Wagstaff
Because of the location, some of the architectural details are different from the run of the mill Habitat house. The four houses built in the district have a porch area versus a typical stoop, and other small modifications that adhere to the building codes for a historic district.
During Saturday’s dedication, many local churches and organizations throughout the community donated staple home items, like cleaning supplies and dishware, to the families. Each family also received a donation from Project HOPE food bank, so that they started off with a full pantry.
Brush Strokes, a club for artists in Hot Springs Village donated original paintings to the family, as well, allowing them to have a unique, hand-painted art hanging in their homes. Christ Lutheran Church donated hand made quilts and afghans to the families.
Habitat for Humanity is currently working on building four other houses in the county. Two of the houses have been entirely build by women. They plan to dedicate the Women Build homes later this month.