May 2021 Press Release
Building on Faith
Habitat for Humanity Partners with Faith Community to Build Affordable Homes in Westerly
CHARLESTOWN, RI — This May, South County Habitat will kick off their 2021 Faith Build, an opportunity for churches and faith communities of all sizes to work cooperatively to help meet the crucial need of affordable housing.
Since 1990, South County Habitat for Humanity, which identifies as an ecumenical Christian organization, has had volunteers from diverse, local faith communities join together in their mission of putting God’s love into action by building homes.
The launch of their Faith Build Project will take place renovating a duplex in Westerly. The duplex has two units, one is dedicated for a local veteran, and his family. The other unit is currently available and South County Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications.
“Both units will eventually be sold to the homebuyers, who are required to invest 200-400 hours of their own ‘Sweat Equity’ into physically building their future home – and contributing toward the construction of others. Simultaneously, they prepare themselves financially for the responsibility of homeownership. This includes completing financial literacy classes, and saving for the down payment and closing costs. We believe better prepared homeowners create better citizens, and more engaged neighbors. This is how we are building up communities, one homeowner at a time.” stated Alicia Johnson, Director of Housing & Partnerships.
The local non-profit is inviting representatives from the faith community to an informational meeting on May 20, 2021 at Dunn’s Corner Community Church, at 221 Post Road in Westerly, to explain the needs and opportunities for the faith community to participate. Volunteers are needed for many tasks, including but not limited to, building, providing lunches, publicity, and fund-raising. Those interested in attending are required to RSVP to Alicia at alicia@southcountyhabitat.org or by calling 401-213-6711 x 300.
“Providing basic human needs such as shelter is found at the core of all major religions. This unique build, with its powerful message of unity, is significant for our community in so many ways” States Colin Penney, Executive Director for South County Habitat.
About South County Habitat for Humanity
South County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes, by advocating for fair and just housing policies, and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more general information, call 401-213-6711, or go to our website at www.southcountyhabitat.org.
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