A local woman and her son are celebrating the completion of their new home, as the local Habitat for Humanity cut the ribbon on their first construction in seven years Friday.
Mary Matlock and her son Shontez will move into the home on North Elm Street as soon as possible, and welcomed the community in to explore the space they helped create. Matlock says she is so grateful to both Habitat and Hopkinsville Community College, which constructed the home with the efforts of students from the Construction Technology Program.
Habitat Director Jacob Holland says Matlock put in hundreds of hours of work into the home herself, which is a requirement for the program. He says the bulk of the work was done for by the HCC construction students, who split their time between the project and going to school full time.
Matlock thanked the many generous people, including students, community members and family, for the hours of both physical, monetary and emotional support they offered. People were able to explore the space while enjoying refreshments provided by Chick-fil-A, and the Matlocks showed off their new home.
Those interested in volunteering or donating can call 270-885-8222. There had been fears the local Habitat branch, which was founded in 1992, would have to dissolve due to funding challenges, but the partnership and other efforts have allowed them to start work in the area again.