June 20, 2008 – Habitat for Humanity of the VI, a locally-run organization that provides ways to make home ownership affordable in the community, and Neighbor Works America, which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, will partner to sponsor a week of events during June 23-28,to commemorate June as Homeownership Month. The collaboration will provide awareness of homeownership, training opportunities and eventually funds, all of which will result in an annual increase in the number of affordable housing units available throughout the territory.
Mark Robinson of Neighbor Works America will host Home Partner and Community Partner Workshops at 5 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday, June 24 and 26, at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority office in Frenchtown. Robinson will also facilitate a focus group forum at 4 p.m., on Wednesday, June 25, in SBDC's conference room. The workshops and forum will bring together stakeholders and housing interest groups to discuss the local housing situation and offer real solutions to current and potential homeowners. To participate, contact HFH-VI at 714-5678.
From June 26-29, the Atrium at Tutu Park Mall will play host to the "Slam the Door on Poverty" display. This interactive maze reveals aspects of poverty housing from around the world and describes the efforts of stakeholders to eradicate it.
HFH-VI will culminate the events of Homeownership Month at 3 p.m., on Saturday June 28, with the dedication of its first house. The two-story home at 4A Adele Gade, which was built on the site of Adele Galiber's former residence, will be the new residence of the Hernandez family.
Galiber's Garden Street home, destroyed by hurricanes Hugo and Marilyn, was in ruins until the family donated the property to HFH-VI. With help from skilled and unskilled volunteers, contractors, builders, community partners and students, a lot once populated with mounds of litter and debris, now displays a spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
For many people living in the V.I. the dream of owning your own home is just that – a dream. However, single parent Cecelia Hernandez was not dreaming when HFH-VI told her that she had an opportunity to purchase the Adele Gade home. "When Habitat first showed me the littered and crumbling site they said would be my home, I didn't think it was possible. Today when I drive by my house I am humbled and encouraged for others who hope to own a home someday," said Hernandez. "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it," she said.
The House Dedication event will include remarks by the new homeowner Celecia Hernandez, Dr. Andre Galiber, clergy and HFH-VI Executive Director Dianne Wells. A Bible presentation, turning over of the keys and a symbolic tree planting will round out the ceremony. The event is open to the public and HFH-VI will provide shuttle service from the Fort Christian parking lot to the home site beginning at 1:30 p.m.
For more information, call 714-5678 or visit the Web site at www.habitat.vi.
