By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County has renovated two homes for a resident in Hays and a family in Ellis.
The group is part of a global, nonprofit organization operated on Christian principles that work to eliminate substandard housing through construction, rehabilitation and advocacy for fair policies.
Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County is smaller than other charters in Kansas, such as Wichita, standing as the only chapter on the western side of the state.
Executive Director Leslie Wyatt said the organization has a mission to help others in the community.
"Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live," she said. "I'm excited to welcome both of the homeowners into the Habitat family."
A mother and her children in Ellis received their new home in mid-November, that Wyatt said meets the family's expectations.
"The family fit perfectly with the size of the house," she said. "The house has four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a kitchen and a dining room."
The house also features a basement with a living room, a laundry area and a large garage.
Wyatt said the new residents were able to celebrate the holidays in their home and were thankful to those who made it possible.
"Everyone puts in so much effort to make this happen," she said. "The families moving in is the best part for us."
The house's exterior was also redesigned with a new fence, concrete sidewalks, a retaining wall, and an updated deck.
"The house was renovated with the help of a generous grant received through the Dane G. Hansen Foundation from Logan," Wyatt said.
New carpeting was installed in both the Ellis and Hays residences. The new homeowner for the Hays house moved into the home in early December.
The one-story house in downtown Hays consists of two bedrooms, a single bathroom and a small kitchen, covering 820 square feet.
The house was purchased in June and underwent remodeling to accommodate its sole resident, who lives with her dog.
The exterior was also renovated as the property has a small front and backyard but an area for flowers and vegetables.
Through collaborative efforts, Habitat for Humanity also acquired a new refrigerator and stove through a donation.
"The Hays house was renovated with new windows," Wyatt said. "New appliances were provided through Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity International's Gifts in Kind program."
Habitat for Humanity operates almost entirely with volunteers and does not generate profits from house sales.
Instead, the organization strives to maintain a low final house cost for the homeowner, Wyatt said.
Habitat homeowners must complete requirements by working on either their own or other Habitat homes. In return, they receive a 30-year loan with zero percent interest.
"People have to income qualify for the houses, they have to do sweat equity and they have to show the ability to repay the loan," Wyatt said.
For more information on eligibility requirements and the process of owning a home through Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County, click here.
Wyatt said Habitat for Humanity welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and provides housing assistance to those in need, regardless of race or religion.
Contractors are sometimes employed for house repairs and renovations, but the majority of the work is carried out by a team of volunteers.
"Our dedicated volunteers are the heart of our organization," Wyatt said. "It's a wonderful thing to be part of, and we are always looking for more people to join us."
Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County typically purchases and improves houses rather than constructing new ones, made possible through the funds they raise, Wyatt said.
"We purchase houses every couple of years when we have enough funds available," she said. "Community support is crucial to our organization and the money that is raised here, stays here."
The organization receives funding from the Habitat for Humanity Restore, a nonprofit thrift store and donation center also operated by volunteers.
The ReStore, 2707 Broadway Ave., sells a variety of new and used items including furniture, appliances and building materials.
Habitat for Humanity is seeking donations to acquire a permanent storage container for its store.
The ReStore is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County, click here.
You can also follow them on Facebook.
Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County extends gratitude to Golden Belt Bank, Heartland Credit Union, Field Abstract and Title, John T. Bird, Glassman Bird, Powell L.C.C., Gordon's Carpet Center, and Discount Sliding and Supply for their support in assisting home placements for families last year.