Warren County Habitat for Humanity widens scope

FRONT ROYAL — One family in Warren County is now enjoying the replacement of a broken sliding door, while two other families are relishing new front porch entry ways.  These are the first three projects the non-profit Habitat for Humanity has undertaken as it expands  services to include home repair.

Over the past three decades Habitat for Humanity has built 14 new homes for County low –income families.  Now they are increasing their assistance programs to include Home Repair Assistance as well as New Home Construction.  Habitat President John Hensley urges low-income families to contact the Habitat office by phone or internet for help, especially elderly residents who need work done to stay in their homes.  Qualified clients sign a promissory note to pay back the basic cost of the repairs over a time length to fit their budget – with no interest charge.

To qualify for Home Repair Assistance, families must:

• Have lived continuously in their home in Warren County for at least the last 12 months.
• Have a steady income between 30 to 60% of the median household County income, which last year was $75,000.
• Sign a promissory payback note bearing no interest.
• Agree to share current financial information.

Habitat Executive Director Lee Smith, Osina points out that Help with Housing, a former non-profit organization, went out of business two years ago as government grants dried up.  Now Habitat is stepping up to the plate to help low-income County residents.  They are also currently searching for a suitable lot to start volunteer construction of their 15^th new home

Contact the office in Front Royal on Cloud Street at 540-551-3232 or online at info@warrencountyhabitat.org.