Habitat for Humanity buys property in Stevensville

By Michael Howell

Ravalli County Habitat for Humanity has acquired a piece of property in the 100 block of Mission Street in Stevensville and plans to build its sixth home there. The local non-profit is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Its mission is to build simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with those in need. The organization is currently looking for a family to partner with in the building project. The organization sells the house to a family at no profit, through interest-free loans.

RCHFH has been active in the valley for over 10 years and has helped five families build and purchase homes of their own in Hamilton, Corvallis and Darby. The last home was completed in the spring of 2011.

Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. Partner families themselves invest hundreds of hours of labor – “sweat equity” – into building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses.

“The Stevensville community has really shown tremendous support for this project,” said Executive Director Mike Kibler.

Kibler urges anyone wishing to partner on the house in Stevensville to complete the application and checklist that can be found on the “How to Qualify” tab at www.ravallihabitat.org and return it to Habitat for Humanity PO Box 2221, Hamilton MT 59840. Anyone with questions may also contact the organization at 375-1926 or by e-mail at ravallihabitat@yahoo.com. The Stevensville Construction Committee will be holding its next construction/design meeting for the upcoming Stevensville home build on May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Main Street Association office located at 102 Main, Stevensville.

Grand Opening of Re-Sale Store

Ravalli Habitat for Humanity is hosting a grand opening of its Re-Sale Center in Hamilton this Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19). The Center is located at 131 Old Corvallis Road, across from the Fairgrounds. The Re-Sale Center offers great deals on cabinets, ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, major appliances, doors, windows, paint hardware, toilets, bathtubs, sinks and more.

The celebration begins at 9 a.m. and lasts to 4 p.m. both days. Hourly prize drawings are planned as well as special sales on merchandise and free food. It will be a chance for the community to meet the new Re-Sale Store manager, Tyler Claxton.