HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WHEELING AREA, INC.

Habitat for Humanity - Wheeling Area Inc. was incorporated into the state of West Virginia on October 30, 1989. Since its inception, the Wheeling Area Affiliate has completed seven homes for qualified families in the city ofWheeling. Three of the seven homes were renovation of old existing homes bringing them back to efficient, affordable umts. The other four homes were newly constructed units on vacant lots throughout the city

During the past several years, Habitat for Humanity - Wheeling Area Inc. has worked hard to develop partnerships with many organizations throughout the city and across the state. Many local churches, civic groups, and corporations, have contributed funding, materials, labor, and other expertise to our projects. Working in partnership with the qualified families has forged many friendships and support systems within the community.

In May of 1995 a partnership was formed with the West Virginia Baptist Men's Conference. A home was completed and funded by this organization that included men from all over the state of West Virginia. The home was completed in October of 1995. In November of 1995 a "Thanksgiving Blitz Build" was undertaken. Approximately 300 volunteers from Wheeling and the surrounding counties completed a home over the Thanksgiving weekend. Volunteers included local contractors, plumbers, electricians, painters, drywallers, bricklayers, and many semi-skilled and unskilled individuals. The entire City of Wheeling, including city building inspectors, city dministrators, and local media were involved in the project.

In September of 1997 the first "All Women Build" was started. A partnership with the Junior League of Wheeling was formed to complete the home. Approximately 200 women were involved in the construction of the home, which was completed in March of 1998 The affiliate's first two-story home was completed in October of 1998.

Of the seven families who have received Habitat houses in Wheeling, four have been families who were either living in public housing or receiving public assistance of some kind prior to moving into their new homes. These families are now free of public assistance. With the reduction in their housing expense and the pride of ownership, all seven families are still in their homes and are making strong contributions to their community as homeowners.

Having formed strong partnerships with building trades organizations and local churches, civic groups, and the City of Wheeling, we are prepared to continue to build decent affordable houses for low-income families in the Wheeling area far into the future. The addition of an executive director in December of 1998 will enable us to expand upon our ability to build two houses each year. With this addition, we are projecting completion of three houses during 1999 and five houses per year by the year 2001.

Pickup a Hammer...or a paintbrush, or a rake. No experience is necessary to help build a Habitat House!

Wheeling Habitat for Humanity
PO Box 928
Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone (304) 243-7690
FAX (304) 243-7689

Click here to E Mail us at - Habitat@hgo.net