EVANS, W.Va. – Hammers banged and saws whirred as Habitat for Humanity for West Virginia and Habitat for Humanity of Jackson County celebrated building their 600th home in the Mountain State. Accompanied by a multitude of volunteers, including Governor Joe Manchin, walls were put in place on for a new home for Amber White and her daughters Alexis and Addison.

Amber, a single, professional mother of two, had been living with her parents. Home ownership was something she had dreamed about for years, but she never had the means to qualify for conventional home loan.

“Thanks to Jackson County Habitat for Humanity our dream of homeownership is starting to come true. I believe it is important for everyone to have their own privacy and space, which is something we have never had,” Amber stated. “I will never forget the day that I received the call that we were chosen to partner with Jackson County Habitat for Humanity for the 600th house in West Virginia! I thought to myself that our prayers are being answered. Thank you to Habitat for Humanity, words cannot express how grateful I am.”

A number of groups came together to help Amber and her family, including the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, which contributed $1,000 in sponsorship dollars to be utilized by Habitat for Humanity. The Fund will also purchase of the loan through its LAMP program, which will allow additional families to participate in the program.

Joe Hatfield, Executive Director of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund stated “we’re so happy for Amber, Alexis and Addison. At the Fund, we take heart in helping those who help themselves. This project just serves as another great reminder of what happens when the community comes together. We’re so proud to be part of this wonderful, life-changing endeavor. ”

Lora Pierce, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity for West Virginia, said she was inspired by not only the number of volunteers who came out to build Amber’s new home, but also by the community’s responsiveness to help.

“This is why West Virginia is so special,” stated Pierce. “When everyone comes together, we can have a tremendous impact on someone’s life. I’m so happy for Amber and her family and I hope they can to enjoy this wonderful house for years to come.”

The home, which is located in the Evans Farm housing development, is expected to be complete by late May.

The West Virginia Housing Development Fund is a public body corporate and governmental instrumentality of the State of West Virginia established to increase the supply of residential housing for persons and families of low- and moderate-income, and to provide construction and permanent mortgage financing to public and private sponsors of such housing. To date, the Housing Development Fund has sold over $3 billion in tax-exempt bonds to finance more than 100,000 housing units since it began operation in 1968. No tax dollars were utilized to provide this information.

The West Virginia Housing Development Fund is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.