Bend Area Habitat celebrates its 102nd home

Bend Area Habitat for Humanity has been dedicating homes to local families for nearly a quarter-century. On Tuesday, a family cut the ribbon on the organization’s 102nd home.

The application process for a family to get a home is 18 months long. It includes classes in homeownership and financial fitness.

The applicants must also do “sweat equity.” The recipients of the latest new home had more than 600 hours of volunteer time.

“We can’t build these homes without the help from the community,” said Executive Director Mark Quinlan.

“We’ve have hundreds of hours of volunteer time that people come out and give us, donations of time and money that help build these homes as well,” he added.

Quinlan also said Habitat believes that building homes results in building community.

For information on how to help or donate, visit http://www.bendhabitat.org/