Christmas has come early for one family in Ashe County this year. Little did Lee and Hannah Rash realize that 'Santa' would be in the form of the Ashe County Habitat for Humanity and offer to partner with the family to help them realize their dream of home ownership.

"My family moved constantly when I was growing up," said Hannah, "and we really wanted to be able to continue raising the children where they were born and provide a steady place for them to live."

The Rash family began the application process more than one year ago and recently completed budgeting classes. This is just one of the requirements of the program, reports board member Jeannie Tygielski. "Habitat for Humanity homes are not giveaways," said Tygielski. "Families have a monthly mortgage payment, but the cost is lower than conventional mortgages because there is no profit, no interest, and the home is primarily built by volunteers along with the future homeowners."  

It requires a lot of "sweat equity," something the Rash family, especially the children, are very excited about.

"We look forward to learning new carpentry skills," said Lee. "And the children have already chosen the colors they want to paint their rooms," Hannah added. 

"I truly believe this is what our community needs," she said, " to help each other out, to pull together people and, resources, and to support a stable community." 

According to Tygielski, the next step is to purchase an appropriate building site and continue fundraising efforts.

"Our primary need right now is for donations to help us purchase building materials and although there are sources out there, we do not want to borrow money to build the first home." 

Tygielski is very confident in their volunteer base, and reports that "once we have the funds to build, we will have plenty of muscle to build the Rashes' home." 

Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide organization and is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry with a mission to make safe, affordable housing available in Ashe County. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity click to www.ashehabitat.org. To make a donation call (336) 846-1251 or send mail to PO Box 392, West Jefferson, NC 28694.