Habitat breaks ground on two homes in one day

The Wicomico County chapter of Habitat For Humanity did something they’ve never done before Saturday, they broke ground on two new homes in one day. A landmark event for the non-profit organization who builds homes for needy families, but also for the two families, and soon to be neighbors, the Baileys and Pierres.

Both families were smiling ear-to-ear when their shovels hit the dirt.

“I just don’t know what to do. I’m so happy, I’m speechless,” said Melissa Bailey.

The two families will live on Cole Circle in Salisbury, Md., in the Church Street neighborhood.

“It’s exciting and I’m a very happy and we can wait to see this whole new house built for us,” said Margterlita Pierre, the Pierre’s daughter.

The Bailey’s home was made possible by $72,000 from the city of Salisbury’s community development block grant. As for the Pierre’s, a significant donation of $15,000 from Pirter Pierre’s employer, Perdue Farms.

“It’s overwhelming, the joy I’m feeling inside that we can help these two deserving families get affordable housing, it’s just tremendous,” said executive director Molly Hilligoss.

For the Bailey, who has been working to get a house with Habitat since 2012, Saturday’s event was a long time in the works.

“I’ve been going through a lot and this is 20 some years trying to figure out how to build my credit to do my own home and so I’m here now, got to thank god for it,” Bailey said.

Hilligoss says now it will come down to people continuing to donate both money and time to allow for these two homes to be completed on schedule.

To find out more about donating, you can head to habitat’s website here.