Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity dedicates volunteer-built home

For the third time in three months, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity of Aurora will dedicate a volunteer-built home for a local family in need.

Dedication ceremonies will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at 1330 Pearl St. in Montgomery. The frame ranch-style house is Fox Valley Habitat's 42nd since the group's inception in 1989.

The Rev. Jeff Barrett, executive director of the Christian housing ministry, will lead the program, including prayers, hymn singing and introduction of the future homeowner, Aubrey Wells of Aurora and his daughter, Alanah, 4.

Other officials expected are John Giuffre, Habitat board president; and Robert W. Vaughn, executive director of the Dunham Fund, an Aurora philanthropic organization which pledged $142,500 to the project.

Barrett said Wells, an Auroran who teaches at the Aurora Education Center, was inspired to become a Habitat homeowner by his daughter. "He is excited to have a yard one day where he can watch her run and play on a trampoline or play set."

The family currently resides in an Aurora apartment. "It will be a blessing to sprawl out in, and personalize, a home of our own," Wells said. "We are tired of renting. I saw the Habitat opportunity and went for it!"

In a first Habitat-Quad County Urban League of Aurora partnership, League young adults, age 18 to 25, provided most of the volunteer labor, turning the house into a classroom for aspiring tradespeople. The Aurora-based League also helps young adults to earn their GEDs.

The pastor said League volunteers have worked on earlier Aurora Habitat projects, most recently at 1338 Grand Blvd. in Aurora.

Fox Valley Habitat dedicated two Aurora homes: 637 Ward St. and 650 West Park Ave., in December and January, respectively.

Founded in 1989, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity is an Aurora-based ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. It has built 42 houses in Aurora and Montgomery, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 150 people. For information, call (630) 859-3333 or visit www.foxvalleyhabitat.org.