Photos, Video & Story by Don Backman
“I am excited to be here, excited for you guys in your new home,” Justin McMahon, president of Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity announced at the start of the dedication of Habitat’s latest new home.
“This is my second house through to completion,” Briar Smith, executive director for Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity explained. “We have built over 30 homes and performed over 50 critical repairs.”
The mission of Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity is stated on its homepage: “Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing affordable homeownership opportunities and improving the quality of homes for families and individuals in Tillamook County. Our mission includes performing critical repairs such as replacing stairs with ramps, fixing roofs, and repairing floors to enhance the residents’ quality of life.”
Smith explained further. “We have been in operation in Tillamook since 1997. Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976.” Habitat works with families who qualify. “We serve low-income families (80% and below AMI),” Smith added.
What projects are on tap? Director Smith explained the next stages. “We are in the starting phases of a house in Bay City. After that, we are going to do our largest project to date, also in Bay City. We will be building two cottage clusters (6 homes per cluster). They will be just under 800 square feet per house. That project requires a lot of infrastructure and will take several years – but we are so excited about starting the work on it.”
Smith went on to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who worked so hard to complete the project. She thanked Adventist, 1st Security Bank, Hampton, Tillamook Farmers Coop, Tillamook Creamery, and Tillamook Veterans Service. In addition, she gave particular mention to Russel Rempel, Building and Volunteer Coordinator, Tony Troyer, Chuck Morrow, and Calvin Hill.
Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity completed the building and transferred ownership to a single mom and family of 4. As explained on the organization’s website, “None of this would be possible without the invaluable assistance of our dedicated volunteers and the generous support of our sponsors and supporters. Together, we are making a positive and lasting impact in our community.:
You can find more information on Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity on the organizations website, tillamookhabitat.org, where you can volunteer and make a donation.
