By Daniel Dunne

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Recently, Riderwood’s Friends of Habitat for Humanity group joined other Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity (MCHH ) Family Partners at the Linganore Woods construction site in Burtonsville, Md., to celebrate the realization of homeownership for 12 local families.

A day of celebration

In addition to celebrating the families’ new homes, the ceremony also recognized the commitment and generosity of the volunteers who helped build the homes.

“The dedication was a time to celebrate and be proud in what we’ve accomplished,” says Riderwood resident Bill Johnston, who is one of the community’s most active members of Friends of Habitat for Humanity.

Years of dedication

For several years, more than 80 Riderwood residents and staff have helped Habitat with the construction of 24 back-to-back, three-level, three bedroom townhouses at the Linganore site. Members of Riderwood’s wood shop built 36 vanities for the first 12 townhomes.

“We have been very fortunate  to have had a Habitat project near Riderwood as we have been developing our interest in serving these needy families,” says John Cowman, resident and Habitat volunteer.

Construction on the homes began in July 2006 with more than 1,000 volunteers working 8,000-plus hours on the project. The new homeowners were required to work at least 350 hours as well as attend Habitat’s homeownership preparation workshops.

Construction of the final 12 townhouses begins this fall, and the units will be dedicated during the summer of 2008.

Holding the key to the future

Riderwood’s Friends of Habitat presented the 12 local families with symbolic home keys, Bibles, and quilts. Reverend Jeffrey Jones of the Liberty Grove United Methodist Church provided the blessing during the dedication ceremony.