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Dominion Foundation contribution helps Habitat for Humanity

By Dave Zuchowski, For The Greene County Messenger 5 min read
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Dominion Foundation recently donated $10,000 earmarked for the implementation of a home project being coordinated by Greene County Habitat for Humanity. The donation was presented on July 17 by Tracey Gardone (pictured in middle), operations supervisor for Dominion, to Keith Davin (pictured on right), GCHFH executive director; and Bob Barnhart, president of the GCHFH board. (Photo by Steve Barrett)

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Employees from Baily Insuarnce perform volunteer work on one of the houses currently being remodeled by Greene County Habitat for Humanity.

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Dominion Foundation donated $10,000 earmarked for the implementation of a home project being coordinated by Greene County Habitat for Humanity. The donation was presented on July 17 by Tracey Gardone (pictured in middle), operations supervisor for Dominion, to Keith Davin (pictured on right), GCHFH executive director; and Bob Barnhart, president of the GCHFH board.

WAYNESBURG — Since its incorporation in 1985, Greene County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) has helped build or remodel 57 homes for needy families and individuals in Greene County.

At the moment, GCHFH is working on remodeling three additional houses – one each in west Waynesburg, Jefferson and Crucible. When the projects are completed, the total number of homes provided to the needy in the county will total 60.

Recently, Alpha Natural Resources donated a modular home to GCHFH that has to be moved and placed on a foundation in its future site in Cumberland Township. GCHFH has already selected a Cumberland Township family, who will purchase the modular home, as do all Habitat applicants.

On July 17, Dominion Foundation donated $10,000 earmarked for the implementation of the modular home project. The check was presented by Tracey Gardone, operations supervisor for Dominion, to Davin and Bob Barnhart, president of the GCHFH board.

“Supporting organizations which are committed to improving the overall health and well-being of the communities we serve is a key part of Dominion’s mission,” said James C. Mesloh, senior philanthropy manager and foundation consultant. “The fine efforts of the Greene County Habitat for Humanity, Inc. deserve broad community support and encouragement. Dominion is proud to be part of that effort.”

“I am proud to be employed by a company that supports worthwhile causes in the communities that we operate and live in,” added Gardone.

Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat’s most famous volunteers are former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live, Habitat for Humanity has more than 1,400 local affiliates in the United States and more than 70 national organizations around the world. Together, they helped to build or repair more than 800,000 houses and served more than 4 million people worldwide.

In Greene County, Habitat has built or remodeled two to three homes each year in communities such as Crucible, Mather, Waynesburg, Jefferson, Cumberland Township, Nemacolin and west Waynesburg.

“We haven’t been able to do anything in the western end of the county because it doesn’t have sewage or water,” said Keith Davin, GCHFH executive director. “Nowadays, putting in on-site septic systems are not only expensive to install but also to maintain.”

Periodically throughout the year, GCHFH opens its application process to needy individuals and families. A selection committee reviews the applications to try to find the best match for its program. The committee looks at the applicant’s current housing to see if they have a need for suitable alternative housing and assesses the applicant’s willingness to work with Habitat. Applicants must demonstrate an ability to pay the modest mortgage, which is held by Habitat, and have a stable income and the ability to pay the mortgage, taxes and upkeep on the home.

“Approved applicants only pay back what it costs in materials to have the house built or remodeled,” Davin said. “They make a $500 down payment on a zero percent interest loan, and there is no charge for labor, which is all volunteer. The homeowner families are also asked to volunteer to work on their own home or on another Habitat house. “

Recently, a group of Baily Insurance employees volunteered for a couple of days, as did a group from Chevron and the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg. Habitat also has a small core of local volunteers who work on various projects.

“The time it takes to build or remodel a house depends on the flow of volunteers and their skill level,” Davin said. “When the university is in session, a lot of the students also volunteer their time.”

Davin estimates that it costs Habitat $40,000 to $50,000 to remodel a house and $80,000 to $90,000 to build a new one. Like all Habitat affiliates, the GCHFH is run by a local board of directors and is responsible for raising its own funds.

“We operate with only private money and without any government financial support,” Davin said. “Our revenue comes from individuals, businesses, churches, organizations and corporations. We also tithe ten percent of our unrestricted gifts in support of a Habitat facility in Brazil. It’s something all affiliates in the U.S. are encouraged to do.”

The GCHFH’s yearly operational budget is $250,000.

Groups, individuals or businesses who might want to support the local Habitat affiliate with either a donation or a work group can phone 724-852-2598.

Checks can also be made out to the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg with a note that the donation is for the GC Habitat for Humanity/the Scott Endowment Foundation, 169 W. College Street, Waynesburg, Pa. 15370. The fund will match the amount of the check up to the annual ceiling.

For more information on the Greene County Habitat for Humanity, call 724-852-2598 or visit their website, www.gchabitat.com.

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