Dirt flew Sunday as Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity broke ground for its 74th Aurora-area home.
Rick Loufek, Habitat board chair, emceed an afternoon ceremony in front of lot nine at 1921 Jericho Road in Aurora, site of its Green Freedom subdivision, a 17-home development.
Other speakers were Pastor Sarah Griffey, Fresh Start City Church, Aurora; Carl Franco, Aurora Fifth Ward Alderman; Bill Foster, U.S. Congressman; Duane Mevis, Naperville, Habitat founder; Mike King, director, Nicor Gas energy efficiency program; Rev. Jeffrey Barrett, Habitat CEO; George Colis, businessman who is supporting a ninth Habitat home; and Susan Parrish, future Habitat homeowner. The Parrish home is Habitat’s 74th in Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, and Montgomery.
The ceremony culminated with participants turning shovels of dirt.
In 2022, Habitat began a partnership with Nicor Gas and Southern Company to develop a Smart Neighborhood™ affordable housing community in Aurora as a pathway to strength, stability and independence through home ownership.
The planned community will have 17 single-family, net-zero homes equipped with a combination of renewable, electric and natural gas technologies. Eligible residents will enjoy freedom from expensive mortgages and high energy bills, while reducing their carbon footprint.
Fox Valley Habitat is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International of Americus, Ga., a grassroots effort launched in 1976. The Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries.
Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home.
Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, Habitat believes everyone can help families in need of affordable shelter to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.
To learn more, call (630) 859-3333 or visit www.foxvalleyhabitat.org.
—Al Benson