Habitat for Humanity -- by Jane Elfring

Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity is happy to announce selection of Flora Wilson and her family for a house they are currently rehabbing on Cardwell Street.

To be selected, Ms. Wilson submitted her application plus proof of employment and a recent credit report. She was interviewed by a mortgage banker who assessed her ability to pay the mortgage payments on the house.

She also had to agree to complete 500 hours of “sweat equity” on her home and the construction of other Habitat homes in the Elizabeth City area.

Since Habitat for Humanity homeowners must also have a specific need to qualify for the house, family selection members visited her current home and determined that her current utility bills are high and strain the family’s resources.

The house will require renovation and Ms. Wilson helped members of Towne South Church of Christ who recently spent the day cleaning and painting the house. Twenty-five members of the church cleaned the house and began preparing the walls for painting, power washed the outside of the house, and trimmed the bushes.

Coast Guard personnel also spent several hours at the house hanging doors and installing ceiling fans.

The City of Elizabeth City had a contractor visit to ensure that the house is energy efficient. After the painting is completed, new carpets and flooring will be installed.

“We hope to complete the work by the holidays,” said Board President Fran Sutton.

Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabs homes for qualified homebuyers who might not otherwise be able to obtain a mortgage. Homeowners must pay for an interest free mortgage plus taxes and insurance.

For further information:

Jane Elfring

jelfri@bellatlantic.net

252-384-0115