Invited by Habitat volunteer, Dan Wimberly, Cedar Hills’ staff and church members write scripture across beams and posts on a local Habitat for Humanity house that will soon become a home to a local single mom and her children. Dan reflects “It was our pleasure to have all of you out to the build site. You brought God’s warmth with you and it remains there.” Construction on this home broke ground on May 10 and will be occupied by February.

Bonner County Habitat for Humanity builds one house per year funded by the proceeds of the Habitat ReStore and the generosity of local organizations, churches, businesses and individuals. People in our community and all over the world partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they call home.

Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit housing organization, serves 70 countries and 1400 communities across the US, providing affordable housing to families that otherwise could not afford to purchase a home.

In 1991, Mike Schissler founded the Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity and within two years the first Habitat home was built. Although Mike has since passed away, homes are still being built at Schissler Meadows, which was named in his honor.

Working alongside volunteers, Habitat homeowners help build their own homes and pay an affordable mortgage. Each family must meet the following requirements: have a housing need, have a job, have enough income to support a small mortgage but not enough for a conventional loan and be willing to put in the 300 to 500 hours or more of sweat equity on their home and other Habitat homes.

It was an honor for Cedar Hills to be invited to pray over this home. As part of our vision for our community, Cedar Hills see’s “ … an historic move of God through Cedar Hills and other churches in North Idaho that transforms individuals, families, churches, companies, schools and government offices in our area. We see intentional prayer and patient obedience at every level paving the way for this transformation. In response to the God who generously gives abundant life to us, we see a community that models God-like generosity.”

Volunteer applications can be picked up at the ReStore, 1519 Baldy Park Road, Sandpoint, Idaho. Volunteer opportunities range from working in the ReStore to painting, landscaping, framing, and general construction.

Tami Heather is part of the Outreach Ministries team at Cedar Hills Church.