CLEARLAKE — Cecil and Deon Denson received the keys to their new home, which was built by Habitat for Humanity, Lake County, at a house-warming dedication on Saturday, Jan. 12.
“Unbelievable,” said Deon Denson. “It”s been a long time coming, almost a year to a day that we”ve been doing this.”
Habitat for Humanity affiliate President Richard Birk said the house, at 15921 39th Avenue, was a house built by volunteers, as many as 200 who are involved in some capacity — from hands-on construction, to office work to preparing lunches for the workers on-site.
“This is a new beginning for this house,” Birk added as he handed over the keys. “Today it”s not a Habitat house any more.”
The house is the first to utilize “green” energy technology, including solar paneling on the roof, to be built by the local affiliate.. Lisa Schell, manager of Pacific Gas & Electric”s Habitat program, said PG&E is covering the full cost for solar on all Habitat homes built in its service area.
With their children T”keyah, Tashee, Tarah, Cecil Jr. and Tavia, the Densons were joined by various well-wishers from the community. Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth of the United Christian Parish presented the family with a gift certificate for landscaping. Jeff and Jackie Hansen of Grocery Outlet in Lakeport, brought several bags of groceries and supplies, which volunteers helped to put away.
Families who would like to apply to be the recipient of a new home built by Habitat for Humanity, Lake County must meet several criteria according to Birk. A family must demonstrate need, it must be able to commit to 500 hours of “sweat equity” in Habitat construction projects and/or other volunteer capacities, it must meet an income requirement of 60 percent of the median income for the area. Families must also demonstrate an ability to pay for the no-interest mortgage through the presence of steady income.
For more information about applying, please call the Habitat office, 994-1100. Families fill out an application, which is reviewed by Habitat staff. The final determination is made by the Habitat governing board.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
