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Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Merger to Provide More WV Families with Affordable
Housing
Franklin,
WV July 1, 2010 On July 1st, Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for
Humanity Greenbrier merged into one new larger organization that will serve the
Eastern West Virginia counties of Greenbrier, Pendleton, and Pocahontas. The
combined strength of the two organizations will be able to increase the number
of new homeownership opportunities, better serving low-income families in need
of safe, decent affordable housing across the three county area. Geographically,
the newly combined organization is the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliate in
the state of West Virginia.
"As Greenbrier's vision began expanding, we looked to other affiliates in
West Virginia who modeled the aggressive approach we were looking to adopt. This
led us to Almost Heaven Habitat," reports Phil Rolleston, Executive Director of
Habitat for Humanity Greenbrier. "We were impressed with the significant impact
Almost Heaven has made in Pendleton County, and merging the two affiliates
simply made sense."
Philip Mclaughlin of the Greenbrier board agrees, "I believe this union
brings to our area the proven successful leadership of Almost Heaven Habitat for
Humanity and also provides for the consolidation of the two separate
administrative functions of each organization. The result being greater
operational efficiencies, allows our Greenbrier County volunteers and staff to
devote more of their time and effort to addressing the housing needs of
deserving families in Greenbrier County. It's a wonderful opportunity to improve
upon an already good idea to help others in our area have a better life."
Habitat for Humanity Greenbrier was established in 1992 as the vision of six
community members concerned about the lack of affordable housing in Greenbrier
County. Founded in a similar way in 1988, Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity was
created to serve low-income families in Pendleton County. To date their combined
efforts have built and sold 110 new homes in partnership with low-income
families, making their dream of homeownership a reality.
The merger also incorporates Pocahontas County into the service area of the
new organization, which will operate under the name Almost Heaven Habitat for
Humanity. The work of the organization will continue under the leadership of
Executive Director Michelle Connor. Phil Rolleston who headed operations in
Greenbrier will continue on as the Program Director for the county.
"Although we are celebrating an expansion of our service area, we are also
reaffirming our commitment to serving families in Pendleton County, and I look
forward to working with our friends and neighbors in Pocahontas and Greenbrier
Counties," says Michelle Connor. "Don't think for one second that this means we
are slowing down or that we will be serving fewer families! To the contrary, it
may have taken 20 years to build our first 100 homes, but we plan to build our
next 100 homes in less than 10!"
Fathers Trade Their Easy Chairs for Hammers this Father’s Day Weekend At the
Habitat for Humanity Father’s Day Build
Franklin, WV: June 20, 2010 – Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity hosted the
seventh annual Father’s Day Build on Saturday June 19th. The crew of 23
volunteers included seven fathers and seven children, including future Habitat
for Humanity homeowners Chad and Tanya Wright along with three of their four
children, Zandra, Matt, and Aliyah.
Chad Wright was joined by several other fathers who traded the easy chairs
for hammers this Father’s Day weekend. Fred Ours brought his 12 year old son
Jeremiah and wife Sherry. “As a dad I get to work on a construction project with
my son and help one of our friends. That’s really good,” smiled Fred.
The house for the Wright Family was started in early June and is expected to
be completed by October of this year. It is one of eight houses that are part of
the Habitat for Humanity Buffalo Hills Development. On Saturday, the crew hung
the majority of the vinyl siding on the house.
All of the fathers that participated received a $5.00 gift certificate from
B&H ACE Hardware. Gallen Malcolm was also the winner of the gas grill which was
also donated by B&H ACE Hardware and Chad Wright won the picnic table which was
donated by Charlie Pap’s Lumber. Fox’s Pizza Den in Franklin generously provided
pizza for all the participants.
“We are grateful to all who came out to build with us today” said Michelle
Connor, Executive Director of Almost Habitat for Humanity. “I am humbled to see
all of these fathers and their families, especially in these challenging
economic times, come out and give of themselves to help others. The folks in our
community are always so generous and kind to their neighbors which is one of the
many reasons that Pendleton County is a great place for any family to make a
home.”
Please contact our office for more information:
Michelle Connor, Executive Director
PO BOX 913
Franklin, WV 26807
304-358-7642
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