Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 54th area home on Saturday, April 9.

The public was invited to the celebration at 512 S. Webster St. in Aurora.

The ceremony unveiled the future home of Aurora residents Chris and Yvonne Visor and their twin children Jazmine and Jeremiah, 11.

The event culminated work begun in summer 2014 by hundreds of volunteers, including church and corporate groups and East Aurora High School students in a building trades class students and East’s Habitat for Humanity student chapter.

The four-bedroom, two-bath ranch house includes handicapped access.

Yorkville resident Ron Kelso, vice chair, Habitat board of directors, opened the program by introducing Visor family members and gave welcoming remarks.

After Rev. Jeff Barrett, Habitat executive director, gave an opening prayer, Bill Catching, Aurora Township supervisor, welcomed the Visor family to the neighborhood.

Debbi Albright, Habitat director of operations, read scripture passages and Emily Voss, former Habitat board member, led a dedication litany.

Kelso provided background on Habitat’s mission and presented a family bible and “Habititus,” a children’s book he authored to explain Habitat to youth.

Kelso announced that area churches are being recruited to partner in a faith build to construct a future Habitat home.

After recognizing donors and supporters, Kelso presented house keys to the Visors.

Refreshments and self-guided tours of the house closed the event.

in addition to contributions from churches, individuals and corporate groups, funding included a $52,608 grant from National Foreclosure Settlement Fund. It was awarded through the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

About Habitat

Founded in 1989, Fox Valley Habitat partners with working families in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery to provide basic, affordable shelter.

Additionally, donors of in-kind gifts are sought to complete a Habitat home under renovation at 121 N. Highland Ave. in Aurora.

Habitat partner families pay for their homes with no-interest mortgages and contribute up to 500 hours of volunteer labor called sweat equity.

Volunteers and donations are needed to continue the Christian ministry in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery.

Call (630) 859-3333, email info@foxvalleyhabitat.org, or visit foxvalleyhabitat.org for more information

Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.