Thursday, October 20, 2005
Laying the foundation for Habitat for Humanity
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| Taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Habitat for Humanity home in New Prague Tuesday were, left to right, Jonathan Willette, site supervisor from the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Julie Schmillen, executive director for South Central Habitat for Humanity, Sister Jean Juenemann, Jim Nelson, construction manager for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, New Prague City Council member Rob Babione, Ellen O’Neill representing Geiger-O’Neill Properties, Jason Witt of Witt Construction, Renee Christianson, New Prague City Planner, and Jake Jacobson of Community Security Bank of New Prague. (Patrick Fisher Photo) |
Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer
"There are many references in scripture for laying a solid foundation."
Sister Ginny Heldorfer said that at the groundbreaking ceremony for New Prague’s first Habitat for Humanity home.
The brief ceremony at 1518 Praha Street SE on Tuesday afternoon included representatives from the city of New Prague, Habitat for Humanity and faith leaders.
A leader in getting the project to the ceremony was Sister Jean Juenemann of New Prague, who has worked with others on the project. Making the work unique is the fact that New Prague is split down Main Street between two Habitat for Humanity affiliates, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, which takes care of the area in the north and South Central Habitat for Humanity, which takes care of the south.
"We’re all family," said Jim Nelson, construction manager for the Twin Cities affiliate.
Also present was Julie Schmillen, executive director for South Central. She said the two affiliates worked out an agreement to do the project together.
"Julie was my almost constant mentor in this," Sister Jean said. The retired CEO of Queen of Peace Hospital spearheaded the local effort for the project.
Habitat for Humanity is a faith-based organization and during the ceremony, prayers were offered asking for a blessing of the land, the future house and those who work on it.
Help for the project has come from other areas. Community Security Bank of New Prague donated $15,000 toward the project.
"We’re excited. We think this is something that’s way overdue," said Jake Jacobson of Community Security Bank, adding that the need for such homes is there. "It’s nice that Sister Jean has taken it on. We think it’s an ideal spot for the first one."
Dan O’Neill of Geiger-O’Neill Properties also helped by donating the lot for the home.
"That was a huge gift," said Sister Jean of the lot donation.
Jason and Ken Witt of Witt Construction, Inc. have been working with Nelson to complete the plans for the home. Sister Jean said Jason Witt is contacting contractors to see if they will donate time or materials for the project.
Jason Witt said that any skilled labor or subcontractors, such as roofers, plumbers, electricians and others can contact him, while volunteers, wishing to help with the project can contact Sister Jean. There can be 35 volunteers to help with labor on the project. Jason Witt said they hope to complete the home around February.
While the choice for a family to live in the home is still under review, Sister Jean said a selection will be made soon.
Under Habitat for Humanity, the family chosen has an obligation to put in 500 hours of sweat equity into the project and commit to making monthly payments that helps cover the cost of the supplies used for building the home.
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