Habitat for Humanity of Greene and Boone counties would like to invited everyone to a groundbreaking and two dedication ceremonies this weekend in Jefferson.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be at 1:30pm on Sunday, October 5th at 901 West Washington Street.  The ceremony isn’t to build a new house, but to renovate the interior and exterior of a once vacant home.

Raccoon Valley Radio previously reported that a family of four has been chosen for the home.  Executive Director Erich Kretzinger says Justin and Megan Saffle along with their two kids will be working side-by-side with volunteers to help renovate the home and as part of the agreement will pay for the home through a zero-percent interest loan with Habitat for Humanity.

Work has already begun and board president Harry Ahrenholtz sees this type of project becoming more popular in Greene County.

“I think the opportunity to take some sound homes with good structure and be able to go in and rehab them rather than having to go to the full cost of building a house from the ground up.”

Following the groundbreaking ceremony will the an introduction to the family and tours of the home.

Then at 2:30pm, will be the first of two dedication ceremonies of rehabilitated homes in Jefferson by the Helping Hands organization.  Earlier this year, Violet Goodwin had work done to the outside of her home at 606 West State Street which included a new roof and outside paint.  At 3pm will be the other dedication ceremony at the home of Harold Elliot at 502 North Vine Street.  Helping Hands gave Elliot a new roof, a new back door entrance, outside paint and new landscaping.

Following both dedications will be tours of the homes.

Kretzinger points out that they have done 24 homes in the Greene and Boone County areas.

Habitat for Humanity is always looking for volunteers.  To help, call them at 515-432-1168.