For some, it is a chance to contribute to their community; for others, a new beginning.
Although the weather on Saturday may not have been much to celebrate, Habitat for Humanity - Wellington County, celebrated the groundbreaking of its Arthur build with the announcement of the partner family for the project.
Last year, volunteers demolished the existing home on the site to make way for the new home.
Debra Kalb, co-chairman of the Arthur project, said, “We weren’t sure what the weather today was going to be like.”
She said it seems to be a tradition for Habitat for Humanity builds to have a short devotional at such events.
Kalb said when she woke up Saturday morning, “It was pouring rain.”
Her first thought was she hadn’t thought about getting a tent or shelter in case of inclement weather. She added people had warned her it would rain and the groundbreaking might need to be called off.
“After about the 20th person said that, I thought, well, maybe we could ask St. John’s Church to use their parish hall.”
Then she thought, “But that won’t work for a groundbreaking somehow. We really need to be where we can dig.”
That was the time she decided “I just need to have faith. We’re doing this to show God’s love in our community.
“Every time you do a Habitat build, it grows your faith … it’s true. I find that every time I do a build, my faith has to stretch.”
She was reminded of the Habitat build in Mount Forest. The weather was similar. She had said to herself the weather was God’s work and He would decide if the work was to begin that day, or the following week.
“The weather was like this, but we had four walls up before noon and the trusses up before the end of the day. The sun came out and it was a gorgeous day,” Kalb said.
She explained the Mount Forest project ended up being done on a beautiful day because the volunteers were not out in the hot sun even though it was July.
Plus, she said, the weather continued with pouring rain in the areas surrounding Mount Forest.
Like Chris McIntosh’s family told me, “It’s a God thing; it really has nothing to do with us.”
Diane Nelson, executive director for Habitat in Wellington County, introduced the Clarke family, the partner family who will be helping to build the home.
Nelson said most of you probably do know the Clarke family.
“Habitat for Humanity and the Arthur build committee are thrilled to be standing here.”
Usually, the site is just flat ground, but the foundation of the former home will soon become ground.
“We’re thrilled to be building this house with you. It’s an amazing thing that happens. It will be a strong house – a healthy and safe house.”
Nelson added the new home will also be energy efficient and a place for the family to grow.
“So I say to you and your family to make the very best of this,” she said. “From here, you will grow your family, and your family will be strong. I also encourage you, as a family, to give back to this community.”
Nelson added, “this home is not being built with profit in mind. It is being built with hearts of caring. What I know about this community is that it is a great place to raise a family. It is a great place to have a home.”
She expressed hope that they would be able to give back to the community the same way it is giving to them.
“With every mortgage payment, it will help contribute to a Habitat home somewhere else – be it in Arthur, Harriston, Fergus, or Elora.”
Somewhere in Wellington County that money will go towards another home.
“That’s the neat thing about Habitat,” Nelson said. “What is being given – multiplies – in ways you can’t even know.”
Shelley Clarke thanked those involved.
“We’ve been through a lot of rough times, and it will be nice to have a safe house to live in.”
McIntosh asked the Lord to bless the project and especially for the safety of those on the site.
