Church groups, homeowners pitch in on affordable housing project

Just six months ago, 2500 Magnolia St. NE in the Issaqauh Highlands was just a patch of dirt and rocks, home to nothing but some great ideas. Fast forward to December, 2009, and the Habitat for Humanity project of 5 four bedroom units, 3 three bedroom units and 2 two bedroom units is taking shape. In addition to the AmeriCorps volunteers which do construction at the site five days a week, the Habitat development is being driven by volunteer laborers from a number of local churches. Members of the Faith United Methodist Church in Issaquah and the Sammamish Presbyterian Church have been donating their time, energy and Saturdays to Habitat builds around the county for the past 10 years, helping on projects not only in Issaquah but also Redmond, Renton and Snoqualmie. These two groups have been regularly joined by the First United Methodist Church of Bellevue, and their volunteer efforts and financial support are crucial to the continued functioning of Habitat programs. Also crucial to Habitat projects is the future homeowners themselves - all families selected to occupy one of the affordable housing units must undergo homeowner training and put in hours of "sweat equity" - helping to build the home that will one day be theirs. Mike and Alissa Talton have put in many hours of work on the Highlands site. Mike returned from a tour of Iraq with the United States Navy in October, and after missing the groundbreaking for the project in June, is always pleased to be on-site, helping to lay the groundwork of his family's future. According to Jodi Bridges Marmion, Communications Officer for Habitat for Humanity East King County, the project at the Issaquah Highlands is going very smoothly and according to schedule. "We are currently framing homes 1, 2, 3, and 4. Next we will be installing the mechanical systems and siding," she said. "We plan to have the first four homes completed in the late Summer of 2010." In January, Habitat will be launching a volunteer program called "The Chili Challenge at Issaquah." They will be providing hot soup and chili to all volunteers who come out on January 20, 21, 27 or 28. Volunteers will also receive a free t-shirt, and will go into a draw to win a gift certificate from a local restaurant, or REI. For more information go to www.habitatekc.org

Contact Issaquah Reporter Staff Writer Jake Lynch at editor@issaquah-reporter.com.

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