At the end of Greenwood Street in the Sunset subdivision west of Starkville, one Habitat for Humanity house is complete and another is just getting started.
Habitat for Humanity and Mississippi State University officials gathered with other local leaders Tuesday to break ground on the second MSU Maroon Edition Habit for Humanity house at 265 Greenwood St. The home will be located next door to the first Maroon Edition Habitat House, which was constructed last year.
The foundation already has been poured at the newest Habitat house, and volunteers set to work Tuesday in an attempt to complete the one-story, 1,250-square-foot structure by the end of October.
“I”m so happy right now,” said Katie Marie Gray, who will move into the three-bedroom house with her two sons, Mark Allen Pittman, 20, and Scottie Pittman, 16. “It”s like a dream come true.”
Mark Allen Pittman has muscular dystrophy, so the home is being constructed to be handicap-accessible.
“The whole house is being designed for his comfort,” said Freddie Rasberry, executive director for Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity.
The Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity receives 35-45 applications a year from people who want a new home. Recipients of new homes are selected based on income, current home conditions and other factors. Gray works at the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District, while her two sons are still in school. Scottie Pittman plays football for Starkville High School, while Mark Allen Pittman hopes to graduate from Mississippi State.
“Ms. Gray, I just ask God to bless you and your family because you”re very deserving of this,” said Mickey Montgomery, president of the Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity. “We”re just so grateful that we all have the ability to come and do God”s will for you and your lovely family.”
Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity, Mississippi State and other community organizations will help construct the home. More than 800 volunteers helped build the first Maroon Edition Habitat house.
“Mississippi State has a long history of outreach and service, and we”re proud of what we do in the community,” MSU President Mark Keenum said.
Gray was grateful for all the volunteers who are helping construct her future home. The family also will have to put in “sweat equity” and help build the structure.
“Oh my gosh, I”m just overwhelmed,” Gray said. “I”m happy, I”m so glad. It”s just a blessing from the Lord.”
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