AURORA, Ill., April 28, 2018—In a two-part celebration, Montgomery-based Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate its latest volunteer-built home at 564 Spruce St. in Aurora on Saturday, April 28.

The public is invited. The home is Habitat’s 63^rd new or remodeled project since the group’s inception in 1989.

The celebration will open with a worship service at 10 a.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church, 730 W. Old Indian Trail Rd. in Aurora.

Rev. Oscar Cortes, St. Rita pastor, will give a gospel reading and deliver the message, “Be an Instrument of Salvation.”

Other speakers scheduled are Juan and Maria Martinez of Aurora, with their children Jasmin, Ruby, Crystal and Kiran, future homeowners, donors and community leaders.

Rev. Jeff Barrett, Habitat CEO and pastor, Genesis Community Church in Montgomery, will give the opening prayer and benediction.

After worship at St. Rita, the celebration will continue with a house blessing at 11:30 a.m. at the homesite, 564 Spruce St. in Aurora.

Chris Schindler, Habitat development manager, will lead a dedication litany. Presentations will include handmade quilts from Grace Quilters by Sarah Tesch, Habitat board member; and a family bible and house keys from Cornel Shaw, Habitat board member.

After a closing prayer by Tesch, refreshments and self-guided tours will conclude the celebration.

The Martinez home was Habitat’s debut in the 10th annual National Women Build Week. On May 12, a half dozen area women raised trusses and installed a roof on the garage.

NWBW was created by Habitat for Humanity International in partnership with Lowe’s home improvement company, which donated $2 million and volunteer support.

NWBW is held annually the week before Mother’s Day.  Designed to spotlight home ownership challenges faced by women, the program has attracted more than 98,000 women from all 50 states at nine previous events.

Founded in 1989, Fox Valley Habitat, 1300 S. Broadway in Montgomery, operates a warehouse at 250 S. Highland Ave. in Aurora. The nondenominational Christian housing ministry partners will people in need to deliver affordable shelter. More than 200 residents of Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery have been served.

Call (630) 859-3333 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.