Surrounded by dirt piles and the sound of children playing across the street, two local families envisioned what their lives would look like on Quinns Road, an opportunity that wouldn't have been possible without Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity's help.  

On Monday evening, the Bulls and Morgan families got to meet with board members of IPHFH to celebrate the start of construction for their homes, after being selected through the nonprofit's application process.  

In a span of approximately nine months, the Bulls and Morgan families will get to move into their new homes. 

"It's not just building a safe and affordable house," IPHFH Executive Director Robin Rawlings said. "It's a foundation for them, for their lives, and to make a better community. ... It's a steppingstone to that next level in life." 

As part of the IPHFH program, officials from the nonprofit equip families to receive more than just keys once their home is complete. 

Recipients of IPHFH homes are required to take financial courses to learn about mortgages, homeowners' insurance, housing maintenance and other fundamental principles. In addition, they must show they can support a small mortgage, establish saving habits and be willing to put 300 to 500 hours of "sweat equity" into the home.  

"Our builds are only made possible by donor support. We are a self-funded organization, supported by donor contributions, mortgage payments from Habitat homeowners, and proceeds from our ReStore. Building safe, affordable homes for local families takes a true community effort, and we appreciate all those that support us," Rawlings said.  

For the two homes currently under development, IPHFH partnered with Lexar Homes for construction, AGE Heating and Cooling donated the heating and cooling systems for the homes and Precision Roofing & Gutters donated the roofs.  

The project comes as many Bonner County residents continue to face an expensive housing market, making ownership increasingly difficult for working families as home prices continue to rise.  

For IPHFH, homeownership opportunities such as those for the Bulls and Morgan families are part of a broader mission to help local families build self-reliance through affordable homeownership. For the two families, the Quinns Road project represents more than new walls and a roof, but a foundation for long-term stability in the community they call home. 

IPHFH currently accepts year-round monetary donations and volunteer support. More information is available at iphfh.org/pages/help.html. 

    The Morgan family looks at the site of their future home before a foundation is poured.