Habitat house dedicated

(Photo by Anitra Wolf) The Northwest Iowa Corridor of Habitat for Humanity dedicated its Milford house on Sunday and handed over the keys to new homeowner Kassi Cherry. Pictured from left: Habitat for Humanity volunteer Dan Shinkle, Habitat for Humanity President Jan Bowles, Habitat homeowner Kassi Cherry and project manager Rich Hildebrand.

The cheerful yellow house across the road from Dairy Queen in Milford is now home to Kassi Cherry and her three daughters Amanda, Haley and Brandie Bushee.

The Northwest Iowa Corridor of Habitat for Humanity dedicated the home on Sunday, Oct. 25. Ground was broken March 29.

"Today we dedicate this house, and it becomes a home for Kassi and her family," said Jan Bowles, president for Northwest Iowa Corridor of Habitat For Humanity. "This house was built on solid ground. When we held the groundbreaking event, we had two by fours with prayers sitting out. Downstairs you can see some of those two by fours. The whole perimeter of this home is surrounded by those prayers."

The dedication event included project history, prayers and hymns for attendees. Before accepting the keys to the home, Kassi Cherry took a moment to extend her thanks to the many volunteers who helped in the effort.

"There's an extreme amount of thanks and appreciation that goes out to everyone who gave a minute, an hour, anything to this home," said Cherry. "Richard [Hildebrand], Dan Shinkle - you're both God-sends."

Hildebrand and Shinkle shared the project manager duties on the Milford project.

Upcoming Habitat Happenings

A public meeting to provide information on Habitat for Humanity and the application process will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church.

Families are needed for upcoming Habitat projects.

"We hope to build two more homes next year," said Bowles. "That means we need a lot in Spirit Lake."

Habitat's 2009 Spencer build is tentatively scheduled for dedication on Nov. 22.

About Habitat for Humanity

Northwest Iowa Corridor of Habitat For Humanity is a locally-run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. Habitat International has built more than 150,000 houses around the world, providing more than 750,000 people in more than 3,000 communities. The Northwest Iowa Corridor's chapter includes both Clay and Dickinson Counties and has aided several families in getting homes.

Monetary donations can be made to Northwest Iowa Corridor of Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 754, Spirit Lake, IA 51360.