By Sophie Pappas
Habitat for Humanity of Boone County dedicated its very first all women’s build on last month for a great grandmother, Phyllis McKinney at 830 N. Lafayette Ave. in Lebanon. More than 50 volunteers, Habitat board members, Mayor Lewis and others were on hand for the celebration. The Women Build capped off a seven-week build which started back in early April on a cold day with snow showers. Over 300 women from 20 different teams from all over Boone County came together to provide both the labor needed for the build and the funds to finance the needed building materials and the required sub contractors. McKinney and her great granddaughter, Bailee, have been living in a converted barn just outside of Thorntown.
The barn was converted to a home by her now deceased husband, several years ago. Over the last couple of years, termites have destroyed many supporting structures in the barn and it has become unsafe and the heating costs have been unsustainable.
McKinney has moved into her new home complete with a refurbished garage and newly paved driveway.
Steve Furste, executive director for the Boone County Habitat affiliate said: “This is such a great day as it gives us the opportunity to celebrate yet another successful build, but also to turn over the keys to this home to a very deserving new homeowner, Phyllis McKinney.”
A very special present was left for McKinney and was the large pink playhouse for her great granddaughter, Bailee. The playhouse was a gift from Centenary United Methodist Church, a partner with Habitat for Humanity for this project. The playhouse was built during Centenary’s Vacation Bible School program in July. More than 90 students and 15 adults were involved in the design, construction, roofing, and painting of the 8-foot-by-8 foot playhouse. The church purchased all materials and supplies for the playhouse at cost from Kramer Lumber.
“As a pastor at Centenary and a parent of four children who were involved in this project, I am very pleased that we were able to physically create something with our hands as an expression of God’s love for others,” said pastor of Centenary Anthony Stone.
For more information on how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Boone County, contact Steve Furste 313-6864 or Sue Burks at 919-9286.
