Bucker Family House - #5 for Allegheny Valley Habitat Chapter

Youth United a part of Habitat for Humanity in the AK Valley just turned over their 5th house this weekend to Shawnda Buckner and her family. Next year, this local chapter is aiming to put up two houses. With each taking 60 days to build (on weekends, over the course of a year) this will be a challenge.

Habitat for Humanity is blessed with many volunteers from all walks of life and all talents. You do not even have to have any special skills, just willingness to be able to help in a way that you can.

The sixth house (first for next year) that this local chapter will be breaking ground on will be in West Tarentum. It is called the Mills House. It is being sponsored by the Mills, who donated $50,000 to this project.

The second house is being sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters. They are providing Youth United with a matching grant for the funds the group raises.

A great number of student helpers come from Freeport High School. Diane Beltiskus, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity Allegheny Valley Chapter, said that she had gone to the High School to talk to the kids about being part of Habitat locally. She said she expected about 100 students and was pleasantly surprises by the willing hearts of over 250 students that came out to hear about the program. She also noted that she had students (about 30) lined up to speak with her when she was done. Diane said there was so much enthusiasm, and that the kids were just so excited about helping people out and getting the house built.

If you are interested in volunteering your time and or skills, or would like more information, you can call 724-339-2777 or go to http://www.habitat.org or http://www.habitatav.org.

See a prevouis article done in May 2004 by http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com which can be found at: http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/articles/1323