The Weaver family of Forks has a lot to look forward to in 2014 as the newest Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County homeowners. Work is set to begin this spring in Habitat’s Maloney Lane development in Forks, groundbreaking for the first new home was held at noon Saturday, May 10. Mark, Trina, Mark Jr., Kenneth, Tia and Chris Weaver currently are living in a home that is literally falling down around them.
As a Habitat partner family, the Weavers will work alongside Habitat volunteers to build a decent, affordable home that they will purchase from Habitat through a no-interest loan.
At Saturday’s event each member of the Weaver family said a few words thanking those that have made this dream come true, daughter Tia was the most emotional commenting on how it will be to have a real bedroom of her own.
In 2008, Habitat built the first home in the development for the Almazan family and has been focusing its building efforts developing a 14-lot subdivision in Port Angeles since then.
“We are so excited to be working in Forks again,” said Habitat Executive Director Dave Finley. “It has been a challenge for us to coordinate the building effort from our office in Port Angeles, but we are ready to move forward thanks to the West End residents who have done so much to make this happen.”
Many of the speakers on Saturday referenced some of the problems that happened on the last Habitat House. Forks Habitat homeowner Juan Almazan has been a big supporter of the most recent efforts to find and qualify a family from the West End and is excited about getting a new neighbor. Other supporters include the Rev. Pam Hunter of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Forks, Bert Paul, longtime Habitat partner and owner of the Forks Outfitters and Thriftway, and Irene Enchiribel who has assisted with applications from members of the Quileute Tribe in LaPush.
The effort was so successful in fact, that a total of three families from the West End have been approved by the Habitat board of directors. Mary Coberly and Leroy Black of LaPush and Shay and Kristal Gooding of Forks have all been selected for homeownership through the Habitat program and will begin work on their homes when fundraising goals are met.
Habitat is greatly in need of volunteers ready to lend a hand on the construction site in Forks to help make the dream of homeownership come true for the Weaver family. If you would like an opportunity to learn some valuable skills and help a neighbor in need, contact the office today to find out how you can help.
Habitat is funded entirely by charitable donations and relies on the generosity of individuals and foundations to achieve its goals. If you are able to contribute to the work that Habitat is doing in Clallam County, all donations go directly toward building affordable homes for local families. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 1479, Port Angeles, WA 98362. For more information about Habitat for Humanity, call the administrative office at 360-681-6780.
