Sep 16, 2006 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The planned start today of the city’s first Habitat for Humanity home has been temporarily delayed for a few more days while the organization awaits authorization for building documents to be finalized. “It’s just a minor setback,” said John Morgan, executive director of the Fayette County branch of Habitat for Humanity.

“We’ll be getting started within the next week or so.”

The organization was slated to begin excavating for the foundation of the North Sixth Street home today, but paperwork giving the go ahead for the project was not received Friday.

“We’re very excited about getting started and will do so as soon as we have all of our ducks in line,” said Morgan.

The .14-acre lot owned by the city was turned over to the Habitat for Humanity program in April as the city’s contribution to the project.

Trotter-area residents Steven and Erin Marsinko have been selected by the organization to receive the two-story, three-bedroom ranch-style home valued at $56,000. The Marsinkos are among 1,250 county families deemed eligible for the Habitat for Humanity home program.

Participants must meet certain criteria, including the demonstration of a need for housing, ability to pay a mortgage, provide a $500 down payment and help with construction.

Morgan, meanwhile, said that the organization has partnered with an area equipment firm to assist with the excavation work and that materials will be delivered to the site as the work progresses.

The city is also assisting with the construction by including the Habitat ministry in the HOME grant program that will provide $20,000 to help purchase materials including windows, siding and doors.

“We’re ready and very anxious to get the Marsinkos into their new home,” said Morgan.

Volunteers are needed to help with the home construction, he added, and can include scouting organizations, church and civic groups or individuals who want to help the young couple realize their dream of home ownership. Those with a background of home construction are also encouraged to assist.

“Volunteers can do quality work, they just need to be supervised,” said Morgan. “We take great pride in the fact that our homes are of quality construction and very energy efficient, but that takes good leadership.”

Those wanting to volunteer to help with the construction can call the Fayette County Habitat for Humanity Office at 724-437-4150.