Several financially strapped families in need of new digs have gotten some good news this month, as Falko Partners pledged $40,000 to help those in need become homeowners. The money will help provide the framing for five new homes in
Several financially strapped families in need of new digs have gotten some good news this month, as Falko Partners pledged $40,000 to help those in need become homeowners.
The money will help provide the framing for five new homes in the ‘Ele‘ele Lluna Subdivision, through Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity.
Though the tallies for the non-profit vary from year to year, 2007 has gotten off to a good start, as in addition to the $40,000 donation, Falko Partners became its major sponsor for its second-annual fund-raising golf tournament.
“Falko Partners is excited about supporting Habitat for Humanity,” Larry Bowman, proprietor of Falko Partners, said.
The group has allocated a second $40,000 donation for Kauai Habitat’s build-a-thon in June, Spears said.
The donation preceded Kaua‘i Habitat Humanity Executive Director Stephen Spears’ presentation to the County Council Wednesday, a routine status update for the non-profit’s much-anticipated ‘Ele‘ele lot.
The homes in the ‘Ele‘ele subdivision will offer those with income ranges between 50 to 80 percent of the median level a chance at homeownership.
In a day and age when affordable housing is a challenge for those who live on the island, the goals the ecumenical Christian housing ministry faces can be more challenging to meet than what its affiliates in other regions address nationwide. Spears said acquiring developed land lots coupled with the high cost of developing raw land can be difficult, adding that the high cost of building materials and labor makes providing homes to those who need it even tougher.
But that doesn’t mean the group is floundering by any means, as with the help of residents and businesses, Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity turned dirt on 11 houses, six of which are 95 percent completed, Spears said.
More than 400 volunteers from on-island and off donated their time and money, of which the latter equaled roughly $50,000 to $70,000.
Completing a home somewhere on Earth every 24 minutes, Habitat for Humanity is a global home-building movement with more than 2,300 local affiliates and state support organ-izations, and has a presence in nearly 100 countries. The work and donations of its donors and volunteers result in nearly 25,000 homes per year.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
