For Hometown News
PORT SALERNO --
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County will celebrate a tremendous milestone this month: the completion of their 100th home.
Through Habitat's efforts, the spirit of community, the pride of home ownership and the rewarding nature of philanthropy have touched the lives of 100 families throughout the county.
Habitat dedicated its 100th home to the McClain family on Dec. 20 at 5288 S.E. Driftwood Ave. in Port Salerno, ensuring they will be settled in their new home before Christmas. The dedication ceremony was followed by a block party barbecue with fellow Habitat homeowners, volunteers, staff and community partners.
"This is a tremendous milestone for our affiliate and our community," said Margot Graff, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Martin County.
"The support of our volunteers, donors, board of directors, local government and sponsors make it possible for us to continue answering prayers and building dreams. We look forward to building 100 more homes, 40 of which are already designated for the Carter Park community in Indiantown."
The 100th home was constructed for and by the McClain family: Lavern, Kimberly and their five children, twin 14-year-old daughters, Christine and Kristian; son, Jeremiah, 10; daughter, Nasya, 5 and 4-month-old son, Emmanuel.
"This is a life changing experience. It's something that we have hoped and dreamed for," said Mrs. McClain, who works for Martin County parks and recreation as director of the Banner Lake after school time program.
"Owning a home will bring a sense of security to our family. As renters, we've been forced to move every three to four years. We plan to spend forever in our new home. Never again will we have to pack up our belongings, move the children to a new school or worry about them meeting new friends. Best of all, our new Habitat home is located in the same neighborhood where we currently rent."
The family contributed to Habitat's sweat equity requirement of 300 volunteer hours. They are purchasing the home with a no-profit loan and their monthly mortgage payments will be used to build more Habitat homes.
"'Thank you' isn't enough to describe how grateful we are. I thank God and our Habitat mentors who have worked with us for two years. They've been our financial advisors, benefactors and a great support team. I really appreciate all their hard work. Without them, we wouldn't have made it this far," said Mrs. McClain.
Habitat for Humanity of Martin County is a nonprofit organization. Since its inception in 1986, Habitat has built 100 homes in Hobe Sound, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno and Stuart.
For more information, call (772) 223-9940 or visit HabitatMartin.org.