| Rebecca Norris and her family, along with Habitat for Humanity President Katherine Foster. |
Sept. 24 was a long awaited day for Rebecca Norris and family who have been chosen as the homeowners for the next Habitat House being built at 680 North Orange Court, Castle Dale, by Habitat for Humanity of Castle Country, the local affiliate of Emery and Carbon Counties.
Rebecca has been a faithful volunteer for over three years along with her four children Steven, 13, Andrea and Angela, 12, and Dylan, 10, as well as her care-giver Debra Pearson. She needs a handicap accessible home to accommodate her motorized wheelchair.
But being in a wheelchair or on crutches has not kept Rebecca from raising her family, attending College of Eastern Utah, volunteering and helping at workdays on other HFH houses, and at fund-raising projects. She has also used her computer skills to help with mailing lists, labels, newsletters and house plans. She and Debbie, her best friend and care-giver, are a good team.
Rebecca is looking forward to being able to come and go more easily and get into closets, laundry, kitchen, and bath rooms and move around more freely in and out of her own home, enabling her to help herself and her children more with the every day tasks and activities. The plans have been made to allow her to do all this as well as provide a small care-giver apartment for Debbie who has helped Rebecca and children and will continue to do so as Rebecca’s health deteriorates.
Rebecca and the children are excited about living close to the schools and events that will be within walking distance of Valley View Subdivision and to be able to catch the bus to the junior high, also.
As Habitat President, Katherine Foster, Board Member Gordon Craft, guests Dennis Oakley and Leslie Henderson and volunteer Sylvia Nelson gathered to meet Rebecca’s and Debbie’s extended families, neighbors Amy Nelson and children, Shawnee Barnes, and Kyle Johnson also drifted over to help with the celebration and watch the cement trucks and crew finish the cement pour of the foundation.
Rebecca’s mother, Sandy Morley, and her sister Kathryne, and baby son Miken came from West Jordan to lend their support. Debra’s mother Lyn Pearson, of American Fork, and her brother Robbie, and friends Angie and Allissa, of Orem also came and are planning toward future workdays.
Homeowners Wayne and Christie Maxfield of Castle Dale came to meet Rebecca and family and offer their congratulations and support.
A prayer of rededication of the property and expected home was offered and refreshments were served. President Foster talked of HFH goals, and the need for more board members, volunteers and donations to be able to complete this house for the Norris family.
“Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to providing housing for people in need who are willing to partner with our organization in working on their house and the houses of others. Through volunteer labor, professional expertise and tax deductible donations, we obtain land and build simple, decent, affordable houses in Carbon and Emery counties. Families who apply and meet our qualifications purchase their home at no profit to HFH; their monthly payments go into a revolving fund to help build more homes in this area. New homeowners have a unique pride in their home which has given them a ‘hand-up not a hand-out.’ Families and communities thrive when everyone has a sturdy, safe, nurturing place to call home,” said Foster.
A workday is planned at the house site for Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. or longer if people are willing to stay. Volunteers are welcome to bring your gloves and shovel, wear your sunscreen, hat, jacket, depending on the weather. Come and meet the Norris family and help out. If you would like to apply for a home or have questions, call 435-636-3230 (leave a message). If you would consider serving as board member, committee member or chairman, call Katherine 435-636-8149 (leave a message). Your donations can be sent to Habitat for Humanity of Castle Country, P. O. Box 728, Price, UT 84501 – every dollar counts toward getting this home framed up before winter.