Habitat for Humanity will be making its Ellenville debut this weekend, as members of the organization and the community will gather to dedicate a house on Mine Lane. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building or repairing houses for those in need; this is the organization's first project in Ellenville.

"We have felt a need for [Habitat] housing in Ellenville for years now," says Dave Beattie, the construction site manager, "which is why we're trying to get established here." Two to three times a week Beattie, along with a group of retirees, goes to work on the project. The house on Mine Lane has taken about a year to complete, but some projects have been completed in as little as eight months.

In addition to Habitat for Humanity, Ulster BOCES in Port Ewen and the YouthBuild organization have been instrumental in this project's completion. The students in the Ulster BOCES Carpentry program built a modular home and the Electrical and Plumbing students did the 'rough-in' work. The house was transported to Ellenville where the Habitat for Humanity volunteers began their efforts. Working closely with the volunteers were students from YouthBuild, an organization comprised of young men and women from disadvantaged backgrounds who are working to transform their lives.

YouthBuild students spend between six and twenty-four months in the YouthBuild program, where they divide their time between working on construction sites and attending alternative school. In addition to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to continue improving their lives, participants in the YouthBuild program also learn the importance of time management, decision-making, and effective communication.

The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to provide a person who would not be eligible for a conventional mortgage with the opportunity of home ownership. Once the candidate is chosen, he or she becomes a partner and is obligated to contribute a minimum of two hundred and fifty "sweat hours" to the project. Once the home is complete the homeowner must pay a minimal down payment and agree to repay an interest-free mortgage.

The dedication ceremony for the Mine Lane home will be held at the project site this Sunday. "My favorite part is when we give the partner their keys," says Beattie, "We would truly like to continue working in Ellenville and hope to get a group of Ellenville volunteers to build the next house."

For more information on Habitat for Humanity, or for information on volunteering, contact Ulster County Habitat for Humanity (845) 340-0907.

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