Decorah family selected as latest Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity partner family

Pictured left to right: Rachel Blake and her children Alec, Brody and Cameron

Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity has selected Decorah resident Rachel Blake and her family as its partner for a new-home build in Ridgeway. Work on the project is slated to begin in late September.

A Dorchester native, Blake has worked at Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah for the past two years. "There are so many reasons we are looking forward to our new home -- my children especially can't wait to have their own room and a yard to play in," says Blake. Soon Blake and her three children, 8-year-old daughter Cameron (a third grader at Carrie Lee Elementary School), 6-year-old son Brody (a first grader at John Cline Elementary School) and 2-year-old son Alec, will have that home.

Founded in 1992, WCHFH works in partnership with low-income working families to help them secure decent, affordable housing. WCHFH houses are sold to partner families at no profit and with a 25-year, interest-free mortgage. Each family must make regular mortgage payments and contribute at least 150 hours of "sweat equity" per adult family member to its home and other WCHFH projects.

WCHFH has built 31 homes throughout Winneshiek County since its founding. It last built in Ridgeway in 2013.

For more information on WCHFH and/or the Ridgeway project—including volunteer opportunities, visit www.winneshiekhabitat.org, e-mail wchfh1@gmail.com or call (563) 382-1802.