Wooden spoons, cookies, hair care items and fish-shaped lights were some of the items hanging on trees at the ATEC building Saturday.

September 23, 2011

It’s time once again for the Festival of Trees Auction, always an annual tradition the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake is celebrating 17 years. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 26th, 2011. The festivities start at 5:30 pm with registration, the silent auction, social hour and hors d’oeuvres. There will be a short presentation followed by the live auction starting at 8 pm.

The event held, at the Big Bend Community College’s ATEC building, features a dinner as well as a silent & live auction which will feature at least 12 beautifully decorated trees, with most having gifts beneath or hidden within the branches. All proceeds from this event go towards Habitat’s mission of eliminating substandard housing in our community. All Habitat for Humanity homes are sold to the selected families at a no-profit, financed with no-interest loan and each family must invest upwards of 450 hours of sweat equity into the building of their home. This is a hand up and not a hand out program. [Read more...]

October 14, 2011 – Moses Lake, Washington. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake continues to donate produce to the Community Services of Moses Lake, the local food bank, and to date more than 1200 pounds of produce has been donated.

Habitat for Humanity has been so fortunate for all the volunteers that have stepped up to make this project such a success. Elders and members of the LDS Church, LDS Women’s Relief Society who had a work party, Miriam Grigg, Cynthia Swan, Don Key, as well as SkillSource and Key Club students and so many others. Sally Voight said, “I’m grateful for everyone who’s come forward, we have such a giving community.”

The garden plots are located on a lot located across the street from the Grant Co. Sheriff’s substation on Lowry Street in the Larson subdivision out on the base. The inception of the garden plots began in March 2008 as a result of the Washington State Health District trying to build healthy living in communities. The Grant County Health District contacted John Poling, Director of the Housing Authority and a lot was chosen for what began as the North Community Gardens. The Health District grant money purchased a shed, gardening tools, and the large sign signifying the lot as a community garden. The Housing Authority maintenance personnel constructed the raised garden beds out of a synthetic railroad tie. In the first two years (2008 and 2009), the 32 plots ranging in various square footage were rented out by local individuals. Job Corps built a bench and picnic table, and in 2009 rented half of the plots and grew potatoes.

In 2010, the gardens were tended by Sally Voight, a Habitat for Humanity board member, and the produce was given to the local community. The Housing Authority provided access to the shed, water and weed pickup. [Read more...]

August 4, 2011 – Moses Lake, Washington. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake has recently donated over 150 lbs. of produce to the Community Services of Moses Lake, the local food bank, and they’re just starting!

The garden plots are located on a lot located across the street from the Grant Co. Sheriff’s substation on Lowry in the Larson subdivision out on the base. The inception of the garden plots began in March 2008 as a result of the Washington State Health District trying to build healthy living in communities. The Grant County Health District contacted John Poling, Director of the Housing Authority and a lot was chosen for what began as the North Community Gardens. The Health District grant money purchased a shed, gardening tools, and the large sign signifying the lot as a community garden. The Housing Authority maintenance personnel constructed the raised garden beds out of a synthetic railroad tie. In the first two years (2008 and 2009), the 32 plots ranging in various square footage were rented out by local individuals. Job Corps built a bench and picnic table, and in 2009 rented half of the plots and grew potatoes. [Read more...]

May 22, 2011 – Moses Lake, Washington. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Moses Lake held a home dedication on Sunday, May 22 to celebrate the completion of their 10^th home in the Moses Lake community and to officially hand over the keys to Rick, his wife Liz and their four children.

Building a home takes many hours of work, Habitat for Humanity calls it sweat equity. The future homeowner is required to have a part in the building of the home, to some owners they take pride in what the home symbolized for their family. This was definitely the case when it came to Rick and Liz and providing a brand new home for their family. During the ceremony the family was able to give thanks to the many volunteers, including many members of their extended family, friends and community members and local businesses that contributed to their family’s home. Rick gave an emotional and heartfelt thank you for making it all possible.

New homeowner Rick said, “I can’t thank you enough for everything, this home means so much to me and my family. There are just too many people to thank so I’m saying thanks to everyone.” [Read more...]