Habitat for Humanity-Gila Region seeks volunteers to work on its new green home at 1414 East Pine Street.  The affiliate's first Energy Star, Build Green New Mexico, and LEED Certified home demonstrates affordable and sustainable building design and construction.  
 
Both skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed to work with Site Manager Joe Riley Tuesdays through Saturdays for the rest of the month of July, and the months of August and September.  Volunteers are especially welcome on Saturdays.  Work begins at 7:30 each morning, but volunteers are welcome to come at any time.  Lunch and water will be provided.
 
For more information, or to volunteer, contact the Habitat affiliate office at 575/538-9540, Joe Riley at 575/654-8044, or visit the site which is just down the street from the Magistrate Court.

Wells Fargo Joins Habitat For Humanity To Build Green Home
 
Groundbreaking for Habitat for Humanity-Gila Region’s new home on East Pine Street in Silver City was held on Saturday, May 14.  Wells Fargo is partnering with Habitat as it builds its first Energy Star, Build Green New Mexico, and LEED Certified home, demonstrating affordable and sustainable building design and construction.  

Shown at the ground-breaking are Habitat homeowner Carmen Ortiz and sons Jesse and Sammy holding the $15,000 check presented to Habitat by Wells Fargo, flanked by Wells Fargo employee volunteer builders.  From left to right:  Lupe Ochoa, Anissa and Edna Wright, Wells Home Mortgage Consultant April Ortiz and her children Diego and Dameon Palacio; homeowner Carmen Ortiz (holding check) with sons Jesse and Sammy, Wells Fargo Branch Manager Christy Gonzales, Scott Meyer, Molly Meyer, Carla Stroman, Michelle Nise and her son Peyton.
 
The build will continue throughout the spring and summer, with the help of Wells Fargo and other volunteers from the community.  For more information, please contact the Habitat affiliate office at 575/538-9540 or register online.  

Habitat for Humanity Gila Region Chooses New Homeowner Partner

Habitat for Humanity Gila Region has chosen Ms. Carmen Ortiz as its Homeowner Partner for its 2010 Build on East Pine Street.  

Ms. Ortiz, who works for the Gila Regional Medical Center First Born program, will purchase the home with an interest-free mortgage.  She and her two sons will provide 300 hours of ‘sweat equity’ on the home’s construction, which will begin in October.  

This will be Habitat’s first ‘green’ house, with  energy-efficient features incorporated throughout.  Board President Cissy McAndrew says “We are eager to demonstrate that energy efficiency and affordability go hand in hand in new home construction, with substantial long-term savings in utility costs.  We also will be asking the community to come out and lend their hands to helping us build.”  

Habitat’s next project will be four homes within the Town of Silver City’s Vistas del Plata affordable housing project.  For more information about Habitat for Humanity Gila Region, call 538-9540.
  

Surrounded by Habitat Board and Committee members, and Habitat staff, Ms. Carmen Ortiz signs a Letter of Understanding with Habitat for Humanity Gila Region for a home to be built on Pine Street.  From L:  BACK:  Henri Hovarter, Board Secretary and Chair, Family Selection Committee; Marti and Don Trammel, past Board members and Family Selection Committee members; staff Anne McCormick and Edna Patterson.  FRONT:  Carmen Ortiz.

The Habitat for Humanity International website contains more information on Habitat's history, mission, volunteer opportunities and contact information for other Habitat affiliates around the world.