Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity seeks volunteers

LEWISTOWN -- Officials from the Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity expressed a need for volunteers and shared their body of work during the Lewistown Rotary Club meeting Tuesday.

While most seem to think Habitat for Humanity is in the business of giving away homes for "free," the local chapter's president, Jeff Bell, describes the opposite.

However, they do assist families who fit the proper criteria.

Bell told Rotary the organization often struggles to find families who fit the right criteria for the program.

Bell, joined by colleague Jennifer Bright, attended this week's Rotary meeting. Bright is also a member of the Rotary Club and was eager to collaborate with her fellow volunteers on both sides.

Bell shared that the organization is always seeking volunteers and explained it does much more than build homes.

Bell noted that the Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity's smaller program helps when they're in between home projects and is a great way to figure out how a volunteer can help.

The Brush with Kindness Program assists families in repairing and renovating their homes so they can continue to live in their home safely and comfortably.

According to Bell, by focusing on helping the elderly, veterans and people with limited mobility, volunteers are able to gain training experience, which will in turn help them decide what projects within the Habitat for Humanity community they are best suited for.

These projects include ramp repairs, installing grab bars, replacing roofs, windows, decks and more.

Habitat is also known for its generosity in helping families create their forever home, Bell said.

Founded in 1999, Habitat is a Christian-based nonprofit housing organization aimed at building safe and affordable housing for families in need who best fit the criteria.

The homes are built using volunteer labor and donations, which are then sold to families through a nonprofit mortgage. Families also contribute to building their homes by putting in their own sweat and making affordable payments.

Families are chosen based on their level of need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay the mortgage on the home.

Habitat has built 12 homes in Mifflin County, with only one family quitting paying and having to be evicted. Otherwise, they have had great luck.

Back in 2001, the first home Habitat built in Mifflin County was around $35,000; as of last December, their 12th home was $138,000. With increasing cost comes increasing demands for help. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Mifflin County Habitat for Humanity via its website at mifflinhabitat.com/contact.

Paid each month with no interest, Bell states that Habitat just wants to make things better for families who need a little help.

Bell shared that his last tenant pays less in her payment with Habitat than she did in rent. "We don't want to overextend families; we want them to be able to afford groceries."