Huntington , Cabell County , West Virginia

It's a big year for Habitat for Humanity in West Virginia. Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity CEO and executive director David Michael says, "I think that Habitat affiliates across the state have really ramped up their house production and are serving more families by helping them out with their housing situation."

To celebrate 25 years of being in West Virginia, the goal is to build 25 special homes across the state. In Huntington, three of their six houses they hope to build this year are part of the anniversary project.

There are many steps involved in the Habitat process, from groundbreaking ceremonies to volunteers like a group from Boston College on spring break this week working on a house in west Huntington. Volunteer Collen O'Brien says, "The rooms are starting to form so you can see what it's going to look like, and now we're up on the roof which is cool, a little scary, but it's awesome to be getting to do so many aspects of putting the house together." She adds, "Everyone who's here is really interested in serving. They've given up their spring break, and I think that speaks a lot about the people who do it, and just getting to see so many people who are like-minded and about service."

When it's all finished, they'll hand over the keys to the homeowner. Michael says, "To see their reaction when you get to go through the whole ceremony and you get to give them the keys and the Bible, it is very heartwarming, it's very special and it's very humbling."

So much goes into each and every one of these Habitat homes. It takes about 2,500 volunteer hours for each home, and of course, money. A special fundraiser next week at Huntington High School is hoping to be a "slam dunk" for Habitat. A team of local celebrities and dignitaries will take on the semi-pro West Virginia Blazers. The team captain is Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.!

"It draws a lot of attention to Habitat. We were able to get as team captain Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. who's not only going to play basketball, but he's going to sing the national anthem as part of our event." Next Thursday, Team Habitat will try to pack the house to help build a home. Other team members include Eyewitness News reporter Darrah Wilcox, former Marshall University and NFL football star Troy Brown, and many more. Michael says, "Those funds that are raised during that event will go towards the Raising the Bar house, which is a house that we're building in conjunction, or in partnership with lawyers and law firms throughout the state of West Virginia."

To get your ticket, stop by the Habitat office on Veteran's Memorial Boulevard in Huntington, MUG and PIA, Whisk, or log on to http://www.habitatwv.org/.

How To Contact WCHS-TV8 | Privacy Policy | FCC Public File | Terms and Conditions | DMCA Policy | Frequently Asked Questions

Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2013, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.