Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 27, 1994 TAG: 9402280286
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By JOANNE ANDERSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
So, association members are building a house and will share the profits from the sale of that house with Habitat for Humanity and the Women's Resource Center.
"We're not a service organization per se," explained executive director Paula Warner, "and many members don't have time to belong to one, but everyone wanted to give in some way to the community." Building a house was a natural.
Habitat for Humanity is an international program whose mission is to provide decent, affordable housing to people in need. On the local level, 11 new houses have been built in the New River Valley since 1987, and the 12th has been started on Maple Street in Pulaski. Most of the homes are in Radford and Pulaski because land has been donated to Habitat in those towns.
The organization employs two part-time people: executive director Fred Dodson of Blacksburg and construction coordinator Michael Kuric of Craig County.
The new houses are built by volunteers and the prospective homeowners. In fact, all potential homeowners, who purchase these three-bedroom houses with no interest loans, must commit to work at least 500 hours of "Sweat Equity" during construction of their new home or other Habitat houses.
Money donated from the sale of the home builders association house will be used to purchase materials for the home currently being built.
After looking at several community organizations and needs, Warner explained, the association learned that the Women's Resource Center was undergoing some renovations, but did not have money for badly needed roof repairs. Money from the new house will provide them with enough to purchase roof materials and labor.
The Women's Resource Center, which started operating its shelter program in 1977, is the oldest shelter in the state. All the services and programs for victims of domestic violence, rape and child sexual abuse are free. In 1993, 237 women and children were sheltered, 600 people received counseling services, and more than 1,200 calls were received on the 24-hour hotline.
The house the association is building at 215 Minor Circle is in the Cedar Hill subdivision off Ellett Road. MCR Property Management, which owned the lot, sold it at cost to the association.
"The subdivision was planned for first-home buyers but it's evolved into an area which appeals to professionals," said Jeanne Stosser, president of MCR and past president of the New River Home Builders Association. The subdivision plans call for 40 houses on two streets, Cedar Hill Drive, which ends in a cul-de-sac, and Minor Circle, which is a loop off Cedar Hill Drive. Underground utilities, including connection to the electronic village, paved streets and sidewalks, gas lamp posts and a dedicated recreation area contribute to the neighborhood's attractiveness.
Building supply companies are providing materials for free, at cost or at wholesale prices, and all suppliers are holding their bills until the home is sold in the spring.
Dan Dodson of Townside Inc. REALTORS is handling the sale without a broker commission. The appraisal, which valued the house at $96,500 was donated by Randy Leslie of Lucas Appraisal. Many builders and construction specialists are also giving their help to the project.
The home sits on a lot that looks south to the crest of South Main Street near Hokie Honda. When completed, the1,344-square-foot house will have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, dining room and living room with an aged brick fireplace. Additionally, the home will have natural gas heat, air-conditioning, vinyl siding and a paved driveway. The subdivision is connected to town water and sewer.
According to Scott Hill, president of the home builders association and president of Hill-Thomas Builders of Blacksburg, people have been generous in their donations to the project. "This is an opportunity to let people give on their own, and the response has been overwhelming in terms of materials and efforts received at no cost or reduced cost."
Also, Hill stated, "the home comes with a one -year warranty from practically every builder and supplier in the community!"
by CNB