With prayers, presentations and an open house. Aurora-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity (FVHH) dedicated its 44th volunteer-built home on Sept. 13 at 142 N. Smith Boulevard in Aurora.

Rev. Jeff Barrett, executive director of Fox Valley Habitat, presided at the outdoor ceremony.

Guests of honor were the future home owners Aurorans DeFredrick and Stephanie Clark and their children, Trinity, 8; Fred, Jr., 7; LeClaire, 4; and Matthew, 5 months.

Clark works as a warehouse technician and assistant minister of Love of God  church in Aurora. Stephanie is a part-time waitress.

Rev. Barrett thanked sponsors of the Clark home, including Thrivent for Lutherans, a financial services organizatiions which provided 65 percent of the $135,000 house cost.

John Giuffre, FVHH board president and Bryan Roe, construction supervisor, presented the Clark family with a bible and house keys to conclude the program.

Rev. Emmitt Compton, past of Love of God church, gave the benediction.

An open house with refreshments concluded the event.

The Clarks expect to move in about Oct. 1 after appliances and furnishings are installed.

Aobut 100 volunteers worked Thursdays and Saturdays on the Clark home since May when ground was broken for the project.

Volunteers represented Quad County Urban League, Young Life, Bethany Lutheran, Travelers Insurance, Kraft Foods,  Masonic Lodge, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Prince of Peace Lutheran,  Rejoice Lutheran, St. Luke's Lutheran and Our Savior Lutheran.

Rev. Barrett said the Clark family has completed its goal of 500 sweat equity hours on the project.

Under the FVHH partnership, the Clarks received a 25-year, no-interest mortgage for their home.

About the family Rev. Barrett said, They continue to seek out opportunities to partner with Habitat. 
 

The Clarks believe that owning their own home will make them a stronger family and will provide a more stable future for their children and their children's children.

They are thankful that God has blessed them through their partnership with Habitat and continue to praise Him for this opportunity.

The Clarks believe that the family that prays together stays together, and they look forward to the opportunity to some day lift up a prayer of thanksgiving together in their new home, Rev. Barrett said.

More than 100 volunteers worked on Thursdays and Saturdays for the past several months to complete the Clark home.

About Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity

Founded in 1989, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity is an Aurora-based ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Fox Valley Habitat has built 43 houses in Aurora and Montgomery, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 150 people. Fox Valley Habitat is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International.

For more information, call (630) 859-3333 or visit www.foxvalleyhabitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people.
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Al Benson, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity