Story Published:
Aug 24, 2010 at 7:34 PM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 24, 2010 at 7:34 PM CST
Daniel and Dusti Brooks look delighted as they contemplate the site of their new home. "We just prayed for the right lot and that seemed like the one." says Daniel, a staff member at Cookeville First Assembly. The Brooks and their two children, Clay, age 3, and Max, age 1, are celebrating with Habitat for Humanity Director Pam Ealey and a host of friends, family and Habitat volunteers as the ground is broken on Habitat's 56th house.
The Brooks family's new home will be the first home built in McCasky Court, named for Rev. Charles McCasky, who, in turn, named the subdivision "New Hope Subdivision." Hope seems to be the theme of the afternoon as Cookeville First Assembly Associate Paster Don Davidson prays and asks for blessings on this provision. Says Davidson, "I'm excited about getting my hands dirty and helping."
According to Ealey, "We're still working on the funding. All State has made a donation, a New York Girl Scout troup, Algood Methodist Church, Cookeville First Assembly...the Identity Group will be doing a wall raising and people are still able to fund a piece of the house for $50 a square foot."
The New Hope development, a subdivision planned for nine homes, will be the first Green Subdivision in the region, according to Ealey. "Habitat is the only certified Earthcraft builder in the region." she says. The Earthcraft House --- a green building system in Atlanta -- will be energy star rated and have a number of special features. It should be built in 2.5 months, in time for the family to occupy the home before the holidays.
Like all Habitat home owners, the Brooks family had to qualify for the home and will pay for the home on a low interest loan. Their friends and church family say they plan to help a great deal and look as excited as the Brooks as they contemplate this new home adventure.
Three year old Clay looks especially ready with his small shovel, hard hat and boots. Construction begins now and CookevilleTimes will follow the house to completion.
