KINGWOOD — Mon County Habitat for Humanity is extending to Preston County and changing its name to reflect that move.
Habitat Executive Director Shawnda Cook told the Preston County Commission last week that the group’s name will soon be Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity. Marion County is also being added to its service area.
The group is looking for a board member from Preston and a piece of land to build on in Preston County. County Commissioner Don Smith told Cook he may have land to donate.
“Once we secure some property donations, then we’ll be able to begin the planning process of building, soliciting for families, going through the application process,” Cook said.
Preston is already involved and helping the group to fund raise. Commissioner Craig Jennings and Kingwood Councilman Mike Lipscomb were the winning celebrity bartenders at a Sept. 21 fundraiser at Tropics Barn & Restaurant.
The Raise the Roof fundraiser brought in $25,048 altogether. Jennings and Lipscomb raised $1,585. Jennings credited fellow Prestonian Glenn Larew for a generous donation that ensured the win.
“He said anything to make sure Preston County wins,” Jennings said of Larew’s donation. “Very appreciative of him.”
Jennings said he has toured one of the Habitat projects, and they are well built. The three-bedroom homes are about 1,100 square feet, Cook said, and energy efficient.
“I think our construction crew takes pride in the craftsmanship, the quality of the work that they do,” she said.
Lipscomb and Jennings will keep the traveling trophy for a year. They also received individual awards.
Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide nonprofit that builds affordable homes through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials.
Mon County Habitat was established in 1990. Since being founded, it has completed 57 homes and providing housing for about 232 people. Preston County had its own Habitat organization in the 1980s, but it is not active currently.
Mon County Habitat also raises money through the ReStore, which takes donations of new and lightly used furniture and other housing materials, as well as buildings, which are sold at a discounted rate.
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