Habitat for Humanity dedicates its fifth home

Habitat for Humanity Mat-Su is finally moving from infancy to toddler stage. Last week the organization dedicated its fifth house, to the Tucker family, and the sixth house is well under way with hopes for completion by year's end.

HFH Mat-Su had a slow start in the Valley. Its first house was completed in 1997 after dedicated volunteers survived the struggles of learning how to raise money and organize their efforts. But now, the organization is well on its way to increasing the number of Valley residents who can claim home ownership.

"We're all excited," Brian Tucker, the family patriarch, said of their new home in the Shaw's Tri-Lakes subdivision off Bogard Road. A Laidlaw Transit employee for the last nine years, Tucker said he also has a great deal of experience in the construction field, and he gave much more than the 500 hours of work required of Habitat for Humanity home recipients.

The 500 hours, known as "sweat equity," replaces interest on the loan HFH families use to purchase their home upon completion. The no-interest loan makes housing affordable to families who otherwise could not afford to own a home.

Each recipient's monthly house payment is applied toward more homes and is proportionately distributed to HFH International and to HFH Mat-Su — therefore, the more families placed in homes, the greater the number of homes that can be built.

A number of volunteers will be working on the sixth HFH home, located two lots from the Tuckers' home, throughout the summer. All HFH recipients are encouraged to participate in volunteerism, and Tucker said he is looking forward to pitching in on the construction of future homes, as well. During construction the entire Tucker family took part in the efforts, either on-site or at the HFH Mat-Su offices.

A nonprofit organization, Habitat raises money through donations and fund-raising activities. Homes are built through the efforts of countless volunteers who work on the construction or in Habitat offices.

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller, while he was living near Americus, Ga., now the organization's home base. Since then, affiliates have been founded in more than 1,400 cities around the world, including every state of the union.

HFH Mat-Su is accepting applications from people interested in becoming recipients of future Habitat homes. Applications are available at the office located at 900 N. Hyer Road (in the Double Eagle Real Estate office on Palmer-Wasilla Highway), or by calling 373-7278. Volunteers are also encouraged to call.