Habitat breaks ground on its ninth house
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
Ten years ago, Presque Isle County Habitat for Humanity was constructing their second home in the county. This year, in partnership with a young family of six from Rogers City, they will construct their second home on South Seventh Street. Two years ago, the Bober family home was built in an adjacent lot.
Jesse and Jennifer Fenstermaker and theair four children have been selected to live in the new home once it is completed. They moved to Rogers City from Petoskey. Jesse has been in the construction field for 11 years and is currently working for Don Eldridge Builders of Rogers City. He has always wanted to build his own home.
“This is my opportunity,” he said. Clearing of the site begun nearly two weeks ago and the couple is hoping to be in by Christmas. They’ve been living in an older home on Second Street. “It needs work, a lot more work than we can manage,” said Jesse. UNDER A BRIGHT sunny sky, the Fenstermakers, part of their family and Habitat board members gathered Monday for an official groundbreaking ceremony. Rev. Karen Thompson led the opening prayer.
“We ask your blessing on this land, on the house that is to be constructed here and the people who will build it,” said Thompson. Board members read Bible verses and sang the hymn
The couple will be required to work 250 “sweat equity hours” apiece. In addition, Jennifer, a home mom, will be taking budget management classes at Michigan Works! Center in Onaway. Plans call for the house to have four bedrooms. The Fenstermaker children include: Kaylee, 9; Caden, 5; Austin, 2; and Ava, who just celebrated her first birthday.
It will be the ninth Habitat house built in the county. The board officers include: Kay Houk, president; Jack Thompson, vice president; Ingrid Robinson, secretary; Margaret Giles, treasurer.