From-
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/jul/10/port-salerno-family-celebrates-being-chosen-for/
Port Salerno family celebrates being chosen for Habitat's 100th house | Photo Gallery
PORT SALERNO — For two years, Lavern and Kimberly McClain didn't dare tell their children they'd applied for a Habitat house. Habitat builds homes for about 12 families a year from its 375 applicants.
"We didn't want them to be disappointed," Kimberly said.
Tuesday morning, the McClains celebrated the fulfillment of their secret dream with their four children, along with a few dozen friends, Habitat executives, county officials, photographers and reporters gathered to commemorate the groundbreaking of Habitat for Humanity of Martin County's 100th home.
"The 100th home build is only the beginning of many more home builds to follow," Habitat Executive Director Margot Graff told the crowd.
The Atlanta-based, nonprofit established its Martin County chapter in 1986. Like other affiliates, it raises money locally to build homes for residents in need. Beneficiaries are responsible, working people who long for a home of their own, but can't secure a conventional mortgage. Habitat builds the homes with volunteer labor, including the future owners.
"I'll know more about how to fix things when I need to," Lavern said, referring to the benefit he'll gain from helping build his home.
Habitat finances beneficiaries' homes interest-free. Of the current 99 local Habitat homeowners, only one has defaulted, Graff said, and four have paid their mortgages off.
"This will give us an opportunity to save money," Kimberly said.
She's been living in a rental home in Port Salerno with her husband, twin 15-year-old girls, 11-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl. A fifth baby is due next month.
Their house will be the sixth in a stretch of Habitat homes along Driftwood Avenue. Martin County's Community Development Department used funds from the Port Salerno Community Redevelopment Agency to run water and sewer lines down the street. Every Habitat house is connected to public utilities and neighbors along the street also have the opportunity to connect.
The McClains' four-bedroom, two-bath house will be the biggest Habitat project on Driftwood. Like the neighboring houses, it will have a stucco facade, front porch and storage room in back.
"The porches give people more of a sense of neighborhood," said Daniel Braden, a Stuart architect who designed the Habitat homes at no cost.
One of the Habitat houses has tomato plants in front of the porch. Another has cages of chirping birds. Every house is spotless; every yard clear and well kept.
Habitat's mission extends beyond its homes to nearby existing homes. An attractive, new home going up draws neighbors who suddenly realize their house needs a coat of paint, maybe a new door, a set of window screens. Habitat helps them through its Brush With Kindness program.
"We provide volunteers and paint and landscaping," Graff said. "That gives the neighbors a little self-esteem. It's extremely contagious.
"Our goal is not only to build a house, but also transform the community and change the lives of people forever."
TO VOLUNTEER
Habitat has many volunteer opportunities, including home-building. To volunteer, visit www.habitatmartin.org and click on the "volunteer link."
To contribute to Habitat, click the "Make a donation" button on the site.
Habitat can be reached by email at info@ habitatmartin.org or by phone at 772-223-9940.
The Habitat ReStore, at 2555 S.E. Bonita St., Stuart, accepts and sells used building materials to benefit Habitat. Store hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
