Habitat looks for a local lot

By Melanie Marshall

The Watauga Habitat for Humanity has received a hefty donation. The Perkinsville Baptist Church donated a three-bedroom, brick home that currently sits on the church property.

There is one condition – the house must be moved from the premises.

According to Habitat board member Eula Mae Fox, the church wants to utilize the land, but is attempting to put the home to good use.

Habitat board members are now seeking a three-quarter to one-acre lot to purchase in Watauga County.

“We have been looking, but due to the size of the house and moving it, there are restrictions,” Fox said. The lot must be on a wide access road without steep inclines and able to accommodate the three-bedroom home. The house cannot be moved through the downtown area, but can be moved via N.C. 194, N.C. 105, U.S. 421 and U.S. 321.

The organization has already identified a Watauga County family as a recipient of the house.

“The home is sorely needed by a partner family who now live in very cramped quarters,” Fox said.

The Habitat board has determined the organization is able to pay in the neighborhood of $20,000, as well as, the cost of surveying and soil testing.

The non-profit will also be paying the cost of moving the home and building the foundation.

“Anyone with a lot fitting this description would be paid in full and have the satisfaction of knowing they helped a young family move into decent housing,” she said.

For more information or to offer a lot, call Fox at (828) 264-3066 or the Habitat for Humanity office at (828) 268-9545.

Watauga Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing to low-income residents within the county. Habitat builds modest homes with volunteer labor, land and materials that are donated or purchased at reduced cost.

The organization has constructed 20 homes since 1987.

Watauga Habitat for Humanity also operates Boone ReStore. The store accepts good used and new building materials, furniture and appliances for resale to the general public.

Pick-up is available for large donated items by calling (828) 268-9696.

More information on Watauga Habitat for Humanity is available at www.wataugahabitat.org.