Special to the Herald

RINCON – Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County has completed construction on its 23rd home and will host a dedication ceremony Saturday, Sept. 16 to present the keys to the new homeowner.

The home was built in just over a year through the efforts of local volunteers and contractors who donated time, labor and materials. The foundation was poured in the summer of 2022, and volunteers were first welcomed to the build site in October 2022 to raise the walls. Since then, the volunteers – including new Habitat homeowner April Wise and her family – have worked tirelessly every Saturday on each part of the house.

“We appreciate the volunteers and donors who have made this build possible,” says Jimmy Rutland, president/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Effingham County. “By building homes, we are effecting generational change through the stability provided by home ownership.”

Each home built by Habitat for Humanity is a partnership between the nonprofit and the family that will live there. To qualify for a Habitat home, a family must meet income requirements, complete homeownership preparation and education workshops and then complete 250 hours of “sweat equity” volunteering to help build their home. After paying a 2 percent down payment to close, they will have an affordable monthly mortgage.

Some of the sponsors who supported this build include Bible Lutheran Church, Interfor, G&M Mechanical, Jim Presnell with Kraft Haus Creators, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, and First Baptist Church Rincon.

The dedication is scheduled for 10 a.m. at 146 4th Street Extension in Guyton. All are welcome to celebrate the completion of this new home.