Christmas giving? Consider Habitat for Humanity

Bryan Welsh strapped on his tool belt and pulled out a hammer.

"It's nice to have a day off work," he said with a smile, knowing full well that he was embarking on what he figured would be about a 10-hour stint of building his own house.

His only interruption would be a quick trip to the bank to go over some details of his mortgage.

Within a few hours, a couple of hardy volunteers would show up for the work bee, adding their own touches to a small symphony of power saws, hammers and staple guns.

It was just another day at the latest Potter County Habitat for Humanity house, going up piece by piece atop Hill Street in downtown Coudersport.

Welsh and his wife, Theresa, have partnered with the local Habitat chapter to gradually build a sturdy, warm home they'll be able to occupy sometime next year. The Welshes will be left with a place to live and an affordable mortgage - not within financial reach for many Potter County families - and the Habitat volunteers will be off to build their next home, this one in Roulette.

"A Habitat home is truly a partnership," explained Mitch DeLong, president and board member of Potter County Habitat for Humanity and one of the organization's most active volunteers. "Our organization makes it possible for more families to have a home of their own, but we also require that the recipients do their part."

"It's hardly a giveaway," DeLong continued. "I look at it as sort of a bridge that helps people who want, and deserve, to have decent housing to achieve that goal."

Welsh's home, the fourth Potter County Habitat for Humanity project, is under roof, allowing volunteers to continue work during the winter, and the Welshes are excited.

"Potter County is very fortunate to have a Habitat for Humanity organization and the kind of people who are willing to donate their time and skills," Bryan Welsh said. "I really admire these people and we're very thankful."

Other Habitat for Humanity homes have been built on Bark Shanty Road, near Austin; in Galeton, and on Mill Street in Coudersport. As plans progress for a home in Roulette, DeLong said the local chapter of the international Habitat for Humanity organization needs help.

A fifth Potter County Habitat for Humanity home is planned for Roulette Township in 2008. Meanwhile, work continues at this home on Hill Street, overlooking downtown Coudersport. Mitch DeLong (left), president of the Habitat board of directors, is pictured at left.

Declining membership and financial support have not only limited the group's ability to build more homes, but also put an added strain on those who consistently volunteer.

There are many opportunities to get involved, be it volunteering on a building site, in the office, or promoting Habitat to area clubs, schools or churches.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, nondenominational Christian housing organization with a charter to build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter.

"With public support and partnership, we are able to build the foundations of life, one family at a time," DeLong pointed out.

Donations are welcome at Habitat for Humanity, P.O, Box 128, Coudersport PA 16915.

Potter County's chapter meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 pm in the Potter County Education Council offices at North Main and Third streets.

Additional information is available at 698-2799 or info@pottercountyhabitat.org.

Like every other Habitat affiliate, the Potter County chapter is independently governed by people from the community.

Board members oversee fund-raising, family selection, house construction, and all other aspects of the organization. Everyone is a volunteer. Joining DeLong on the local board are Chris Parrish, Lee Silverstrim, Mervin Bowers, Barry Bradley, Jim Snyder, Charlotte Blain (secretary), Jim Blain, Laurie Barr-Tomkinson, Pam Rees (treasurer), Rod Rees (vice president), Dan Tomkinson and Jeremy Perkins.

How to apply

Dozens, or perhaps hundreds, of Potter County families are potentially eligible for help from Habitat for Humanity.

In deciding which to choose, the local board follows the organization's international standards.

Priority is given to families living in substandard housing. Also, to be eligible an applicant must be earning between 25 percent and 50 percent of the county's median income.

The chosen home owner must participate in the construction of the home or in other significant ways with the organization. In Potter County, families must work a minimum of 500 "sweat equity" hours.

Perfect credit records are not required, but a person must demonstrate a history of paying his bills. The application requires personal references, verification of employment and income, and landlord reference. A credit check will be made, and for those who qualify, a home visit will be made.

For an application or for more information, write to: Habitat For Humanity, P.O. Box 128, Coudersport PA 16915 or call 698-2799.