Habitat for Humanity’s build in Ennis near completion

The most recent build by the Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County is almost finished. Located in Ennis, the 1,200-square foot home only needs a few finishing touches before move-in day.

The hope is to move homeowner Apryl Pace and her family into their new home the week after Thanksgiving, said Suzie Timmerman, who serves as president of Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County.

The house has an open design concept with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attached one-car garage. It sits on land donated by the city of Ennis and Ennis ISD.

Before volunteers arrived, they did some preliminary dirt work, moving dirt and setting the foundation. Since April, volunteers have worked on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to around noon to build the home. Along with Habitat for Humanity volunteers, the Pace family helps build the home, including aunts, uncles, siblings and parents.

On Nov. 5, volunteers painted doors and the trim, hung mirrors in bathrooms and installed a microwave in the kitchen. The lawn has been sodded, and they are now completing minor finishing touches.

“It really is a fun process to be involved in,” said Timmerman, who has been involved with the nonprofit for 16 years.

According to its website, Habitat of Humanity of Ellis County’s goal is “to eliminate poverty housing in Ellis County – one home and one family at a time.” Since 2001, Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County has completed 14 homes in Ennis, Midlothian and Waxahachie with the current build to be the 15th home.

Each homeowner applies to the Habitat for Humanity and must have a need for affordable housing. Timmerman said they must also be willing to partner with them by helping with the build and they must be able to pay for the house. Each applicant goes through background checks and financial checks.

Timmerman said they have a set of blueprints they use over and over, adjusting for each family and piece of land. They try to build one home a year, she said. Homeowner applications, found on their website, are only accepted in February and August each year.

Those interested in volunteering can fill out the application online. Timmerman said there is always a need for board members, administrative support and home construction.

“You don’t have to know how to build a house to be a board member, but you can dive as deep into it as you want,” Timmerman said.

For more information, visit http://www.ellishabitat.org/index.html or call 972-937-2797 with any questions.

Originally published November 17, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/arts_and_entertainment/habitat-for-humanity-s-build-in-ennis-near-completion/article_defda7a4-66b3-11ed-a159-43da4c0ff6ea.html