“This entire area of building lots was donated by David Baker, Kenneth Kirkland and the Freeman family,” said Trisler. “Then there’s Tim Darland that’s helping us to move this pile of debris where part of the Starr family home will soon stand.”
Mary Shearer, executive director for Kentucky Habitat for Humanity, gave credit to individuals and rorganizations that dedicate time and resources.
“Thanks also go to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, which funded the infrastructure and construction for three of the current houses in this subdivision and another five to six additional Habitat homes due to be built on this block,” said Shearer.
Curtis Sherrow is the construction supervisor for the Starr home and said he enjoys being active, especially when it comes to volunteer work.
“This is something I can do as a retired contractor that keeps me young,” said Sherrow. “But best of all, it helps the community and puts a lot of good people into homes of their very own.”
Two-year-old Paisley King was also celebrating and brought her own tiny shovel to help with the ground breaking.
“Paisley has been asking me all day about what this event is about so I’ve explained to her how important it is to get out and help your neighbors,” Rep. Kim King said of her granddaughter. “Hopefully this won’t be this young lady’s last ground breaking for this wonderful organization.”
Joe Mouser is the communications director for Kentucky habitat and said the city of Harrodsburg has been supportive of habitat since the group began building houses in Mercer County in 1990.
“This city’s donation of land in the Davidson subdivision allowed us to build seven houses there,” said Mouser.
Habitat homes have also been built in Salvisa, Quail Run and Dove Court, Mouser said.
“We also had help from Heart of Kentucky United Way, which provides office space in the Farmers National Bank building on Legion Dr,” said Mouser.Mercer habitat has already built 15 total homes in the county and would like to continue at a pace of at least one home a year, he said
“We are a Christian ministry that freely accepts the assistance of anyone of any religion willing to help,” he said.
That help comes from many places, including those who have received help from habitat.
Each family that receives a home from habitat is asked to contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity.”
“Sweat equity can be earned by working on committees, attending workshops, and by helping to build a habitat home, including your own,” said Mouser.
Mercer County residents interested in helping their local habitat can call (859) 734-5086 or visit www.hfhmercerco.org.
