Habitat for Humanity now accepting applications in Queens

The South Shore Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is building a home in Queens County, located on Amherst St., with construction set to start in June 2009.

“We are giving them an opportunity for them to change their lives for generations,” said committee member Pastor Paul Jenson. “We’re trying to get people out from under the thumb of rent that’s killing them.”

Before construction can begin, however, they need to select a family.

Pastor Paul Jenson said there are three main things that applicants should know when applying for a home.

The first is the new homeowner does pay a mortgage, but it is never more then 25 per cent of their income.

The second is that the current housing they have is not meeting their needs and they do not own the property.

The third is the homeowner enters into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The family works with other volunteers helping build the home and helping raise publicity for other projects.

It was stressed at the information session on Sept. 25 that the selection process is done privately. The only ones to see the applications are a special selection committee, and only the family chosen will be made public.

The Queens Build will also come to an applicant’s home to help with applications, in case one cannot come to a building.

The group will hold its next information session 7-8 p.m. Oct. 9. They also have a build committee meeting set for Oct. 21.

Before the build can start, the group will need more volunteers for both the building and for fundraising. It requires at least $60,000, either in funds or gifts in kind, in order to start the build.

Habitat for Humanity meetings are open for all those who would like to get involved or would like information.

For those that can’t attend, contact Ann Langille at 354-7331 or e-mail habitatqueensbuild@gmail.com.