Wall raising set for 21st United Methodist-sponsored Habitat home in Asheville

On the day of their Habitat orientation in May, Alexei and Galina Lisnic helped raise the first wall of their future neighbor’s new home. Now, it’s their turn. At 12:00 noon on Friday, August 17, the Lisnics will be joined by Habitat staff and volunteers, friends, and their sponsors--local United Methodist congregations who have been doing this for 21 years now.

Their future 2 bedroom/1 bath home will be in Habitat’s Carney Place neighborhood off Virginia Avenue in West Asheville. Representatives from sponsoring churches, Habitat, and the Lisnic family will share a few words.  The short speaking program will give way to the celebratory raising of the first wall; the literal beginning of the next chapter of the Lisnic’s lives as homeowners.

“The wall-raising ceremony marks new beginnings for the partner family—the start of relationships that will be formed with their sponsors, Habitat staff and volunteers while they work on their sweat equity hours; and the start of a life in a safe, decent, and affordable home as new homeowners,” said Habitat Sponsorship Coordinator, Betsy Warren. “The churches sponsoring this home understand the importance of home ownership, and that is why they have been raising money and volunteering their time for the past 21 years. We are grateful for them.”

The 16 participating United Methodist Churches (UMC) are: Abernethy, Asbury Memorial, Central, Christ, Francis Asbury, Grace, Groce, Montmorenci, Oak Hill, Piney Mountain, Reeves Chapel, Skyland, Snow Hill, St. Paul’s, Trinity, and Weaverville.

Since 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has welcomed 235 Buncombe County families to safe, decent and affordable houses. Habitat homes, which are Green Built certified, are sold at no-profit to partner families, who pay back a no-interest loan.  The non-profit also offers a home repair program for low to moderate income homeowners. Visit ashevillehabitat.org for more information.