The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Habitat for Humanity celebrated 15 years of pounding nails last week - and got a big birthday present from Hayden Homes.

The Redmond-based company, which is starting a 400-home subdivision in Sisters, donated $30,000 to the local chapter - the largest private cash contribution in the history of Sisters Habitat.

"We are and always have been focused on affordable housing," said Hayden Homes representative Dennis Murphy, who presented the donation at a barbecue at the Village Green on Wednesday, September 27.

Murphy noted that the Hayden Homes' Giving Fund provides "grant homes" for low income families at a rate of about 10 homes each year. He said that Habitat for Humanity's mission is compatible with that of his company.

He said the donation is "a great opportunity to make a financial contribution to a cause that's in line with what we do."

The Sisters chapter can use the money.

"We spent $550,000 for a lot for five families," Habitat Executive Director Sharlene Weed told the assemblage at the barbecue. "That'll keep us building, but we're carrying a lot of debt."

Weed said the organization is going to have to work hard and be creative in its fund-raising to be able to keep up with high land costs in the Sisters area.

Sisters Habitat for Humanity is one of the most dynamic chapters in the country. Over the past 15 years, the organization has built homes for 34 families.

That, according to Weed, is the highest per capita rate of home building of any chapter in Oregon.

"It's a huge accomplishment," she said.

The families that qualify for Habitat assistance contribute "sweat equity" to their own homes by working on them or by helping the organization in other ways. Once in their homes, owners pay regular mortgages, but the rates are affordable because the homes are sold at no profit and with no interest.

Most Habitat families continue to work with the organization to help other families become home owners.

Weed said the barbecue was an important effort to recognize the community effort to support the organization.

"We wanted to have a party," she said. "We really needed to thank people."

Dozens of people were on hand to celebrate their own success.

Weed handed out pins with the slogan "I Helped Build It" to all who attended.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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