HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TEAM UNDAUNTED

A fall-off in membership has not deterred the faithful Potter County Habitat for Humanity volunteers from their mission.

Chapter members gathered last week at the Hotel Crittenden in Coudersport for their annual dinner, where plans for new homes to be built in Roulette and Galeton were formally announced.

Among those recognized were Brian and Theresa Welsh, a Coudersport couple who have partnered with Habitat to build a new home the Welsh family will soon occupy just off Hill and Fourth streets.

Anyone who would like to see Habitat volunteers in action, or join in themselves, is encouraged to stop at the Welsh home on Saturday, May 31, starting at 8 am as the construction work continues.

The Welshes told of the satisfaction they have experienced from working with the Habitat volunteers. Brian said they plan to continue their involvement with Habitat by helping work on other homes.

First of those will be built in Roulette, starting soon, Chapter President Mitch DeLong announced. A lot was donated by the estate of T. Lee Bennett, a teacher, pastor and founder of the local Habitat chapter.

Also in the works for the Potter County organization is construction of a second Habitat home in Galeton.

However, despite the ambitious plans and the generosity of property donors, the organization is struggling due to a fall-off in volunteers. The need for help was emphasized by DeLong and Jim Blain, construction leader.

Habitat is appealing to area churches and civic organizations to recruit volunteers. Help is needed for specialty skills, such as excavation, carpentry, masonry and plumbing, as well as more general responsibilities.

Finishing touches are being put on the most recent Habitat home, built on a hilltop lot at The Welch home is the local chapter's fourth. Others have been built on Bark Shanty Road, near Austin; in Galeton, and on Mill Street in Coudersport.

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.

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.

Priority for home ownership 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.

Additional information is available on the internet at pottercountyhabitat.org.