Story and Photos by Stefanie Jackson – Habitat for Humanity dedicated the new home of Conchata Webb and her son, Jeremiah, in Franktown Sunday.
Webb worked 800 hours to help construct the building, more than double the 350 hours of sweat equity Habitat for Humanity requires of its new homeowners.
Nancy Gonzalez, executive director of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, credited Webb for the extra work. Gonzalez said the organization was “delighted” with Webb, whom they “adopted” as “part of the Habitat family.”
“I appreciate everyone for being here and I thank everyone,” Webb said. She thanked construction supervisor Brent Powell and several others by name.
Barb Iman, the organization’s president, and Neita Cibella, Webb’s support person, also spoke.
Every family chosen for a Habitat home is partnered with a support person who assists in financial management, parenting, health, and nutrition.
Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Pastor Wilbert Adams and Deacon William Webb Jr., of Bethel Baptist Church, in Franktown, prayed for the new home and family, and the W.C. Adams Choir led guests in a song of praise.
Pastor Palmer Bunting, of Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Exmore, blessed the home, and retired United Methodist pastor Wayne Parsley presented the Webb family with a Bible.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian-based organization that helps members of the community obtain affordable housing regardless of their faith.
Since 1988, Eastern Shore Habitat for Humanity has dedicated more than 40 homes.
The organization receives hundreds of application requests, and the process to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner is competitive.
Applicants must be employed and able to make low monthly mortgage payments and are subject to other reviews.
A selected applicant receives an interest-free, 25-year mortgage with a monthly payment of less than $500. A standard Habitat home is one story with three bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms.
For more information on the application process or volunteering or donating to the Eastern Shore Habitat for Humanity, call 757-442-4687.