Submitted photo From left, Jeff Bell, president of the Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity affiliate, Habitat Board member Don Powell, present the Bible to Melinda Crosson and her children Hailey and Austin.

LEWISTOWN — Habitat for Humanity has been a non-profit organization for nearly 50 years, providing “adequate shelter” and “affordable houses.”

At the end of September, Mifflin County’s Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 12th home for a family of three.

Melinda Crosson and her children Hailey and Austin received the keys at the home dedication on Sept. 21, and the settlement is set to occur in October.

Pastor Robert Nilram led the dedication, and the family was gifted a Bible from the New Hope Church of Christ and the house keys from Habitat.

According to a Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity board member, Lori Kint, there are a number of qualifications a family must meet to receive a Habitat home.

A prospective family can not already have a home; they must have a “housing need.” These needs could fall under living in an unsafe home, children of the same sex sharing a bedroom, living with family members, and other needs.

Families must have enough income to make a mortgage payment along with taxes, insurance, utilities, and other necessities, but not so much that they can secure an average mortgage agreement.

Other requirements include having a “reasonable” credit history; debt is taken into consideration.

According to Kint, the most important requirement is being “willing to partner with habitat” by committing to at least 500 sweat equity hours. These hours are segmented into different categories associated with all aspects of building, home maintenance, and financial education.

“(The family) needs to be very involved with the building of the house and learn what it takes to be a successful homeowner,” explained Kint. “We also have an active Family Support Committee that provides help if a family encounters issues once they move into the home.”

In addition to the Family Support Committee, Habitat may provide counseling to help families improve their credit scores and find debt solutions.

When the organization receives an application, Habitat’s Family Selection interviews the applicant and assesses their current living conditions.

“Family selection can be a lengthy process as we do our best to choose someone who understands the process and is willing to be a part of all aspects of the build,” shared Kint. ” Every effort is made to choose families that will be good neighbors.”

Habitat typically aids in the construction of 1200 to 1500 square foot homes. The layout, such as the number of bedrooms, depends on the number of family members and their needs, as well as the lot and neighborhood. The homes have a 30-year interest-free mortgage.

The non-profit makes a point to stay in touch with the families to provide further assistance. Families that receive a home through Habitat for Humanity are “encouraged to remain involved with Habitat” to help with fundraisers and future builds.

Habitat for Humanity of Mifflin County meets on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Habitat Center, and is “always looking for new volunteers.”