By Matt Wiley |
WESLEY CHAPEL — With all of the residential communities located within minutes of the Shops at Wiregrass mall, it may seem strange to see a home actually being built at the busy shopping destination. However, the construction of the house is part of a project by Habitat for Humanity (HFH) of East & Central Pasco that, upon completion, will be deconstructed and moved to its permanent location where a family in need will get to call it their home.
Beginning on May 17 at mall, a group of volunteers from HFH of East & Central Pasco, part of the non-profit Christian ministry that builds homes for families in need worldwide, will take part in “Raise the Roof,” an event that will begin constructing the walls of what will become the first HFH home built in the Wesley Chapel area. “This Wesley Chapel home will be this HFH chapter’s 120th home to date,” says Stephanie Black, director of development and public relations for Habitat of East & Central Pasco, which has built and rehabilitated homes in Dade City, Zephyrhills, Lacoochee and Land O’ Lakes.
Black explains that land prices have been the issue that has kept HFH from building in the Wesley Chapel area, until now. Recently, she says, Pasco County Community Development donated a building lot to HFH in Wesley Chapel.
“We hope this home and the occupants will always be examples of what can be accomplished through caring people and the HFH program,” she says. “Habitat doesn’t give away homes; it gives opportunity.” The event challenges local businesses and individuals to help eliminate poverty housing by donating some time, sweat and a few dollars to helping build a quality home for a local family in need.
Once the project is completed at the Shops at Wiregrass, the walls will be deconstructed in sections and then transported to the home’s permanent site on Brahma Dr. in Angus Valley, located off Old Pasco Rd., north of S.R. 54, an area from which Habitat hopes to have more land donated for future homes.Continue reading
