The Columbia Falls Habitat for Humanity project got a big boost last week with a $10,000 donation from Freedom Bank.

“We run with the motto ‘you gotta start somewhere,’” bank president Don Bennett said. “Freedom Bank began in 2005 in a used trailer house. So we know what it’s like to have a dream with few resources to make that dream come true. A $10,000 donation is a big commitment from a small-town bank, but we know it’s going to an amazing local cause. We believe by supporting our local community, the community will in turn join us in helping to strengthen and build our local economy.”

The 16-unit housing project on Truck Route is scheduled to be completed by next March, according to Christine Morris, Habitat for Humanity’s Flathead Valley director.

By using volunteer labor, homeowner “sweat equity” and donations from local and national building material suppliers, Habitat for Humanity is able to keep the cost of construction low.

It takes about 3,000 hours of volunteer labor to complete a Habitat home. The homes are also super energy efficient — a recent audit showed the electric heating bill for each unit was $22.50 per month, Morris noted.

Habitat is still actively seeking familes to own homes. For more information, contact the Habitat offices at 406-750-5241.