November 6, 2019 at 4:48 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity Northwoods presents 21st home
Habitat for Humanity Northwoods presents 21st home
A legal document signing on Tuesday afternoon was the last formality preventing Kelly Craig and her children Maria Craig and Trent Huber from moving into the home on Phillip Street, according to Dave Havel, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin.
The house was built with the assistance of the Rhinelander High School building trades class.
"It (the house) started with the building trades class in September, when school started last year, and they worked on the house all year long," Havel said. "At the end of the school year, it was basically transported to the site."
The summer saw painting and other work which the family participated in as part of the "sweat equity" that Habitat requires, Havel said.
"I put in some," Kelly Craig said. "But my son, Trent, did it all, 250 hours."
Grandmother Ethel Craig said she also put in many hours of sweat equity."
An emotional Kelly Craig said being selected to receive the house is very meaningful.
"It means many things, stability, a safe place for my children," she said.
To help get through the ceremony, she wrote a statement that, in part, used the letters in humanity to express what the house means to her family.
H - Having stability and security for my family.
U - Unity, a place to live with our family, our pets and enjoy with friends.
M - Making memories.
A - Assurance from unsuitable living conditions.
N - New beginning.
I - It gives predictability in an uncertain world.
T - Togetherness, a base for everything, faith, hope, family, school, fellowship, even future struggles and conquests.
Y - You will have a safe haven and comfort zone.
The entire statement is reproduced at left.
"She read this and I think it is quite beautiful," said family friend Jule Henry who served as a liaison between the family and Habitat for Humanity.
Havel said the Northwoods Habitat for Humanity organization serves both Oneida and Vilas counties.
"So we build homes throughout the Northwoods," he said.
While the RHS building trades class has played a big part in the construction of the past few houses, Havel said their involvement will likely end with the Craig's house.
"Their schedule has changed and I think their participation has dropped," he said. "So our next one will be back to our usual volunteer effort where we have our lead contractor and we'll look for volunteers to help build the next one."
He said the organization has no site in mind for the next project.
"We're also considering buying an existing home that needs repair and renovate (it) for the next one," Havel said. "We're looking at all those options right now."
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at jamie@rivernews online.com.
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