NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – The Wabash County Habitat for Humanity will dedicate its fourth North Manchester house, located at 516 W. 4th St., on Sunday, January 15.
This year, the local affiliate will continue its celebration of its 25th anniversary with a special dedication of the County’s first partial Women Build project to Kevin Kling, a single father of three.
A North Manchester native, Kling has remained rooted in his hometown’s community for 37 years, graduating from Manchester High School and is set to graduate from Manchester University in spring 2017 with a Transition to Teaching degree that builds upon his already held bachelor’s degree.
Since beginning the build on Aug. 26, Kling has born the burden of Habitat’s required 300 hours of sweat equity, which obligates homeowners to attend educational classes including financial literacy and help craft their own home.
Despite his busy schedule, Kling’s role as a father has continued to come first with raising his children, Micah (11), Winnie (7) and Joey (6). He also ensures that they, too, are active in Manchester’s community through activities including soccer and other extra-curricular activities.
One of the most special aspects about Kling’s home is that more than 40 women assisted with its construction, according to Maggie Wimberly, Wabash Habitat’s Executive Director.
Over the course of three Women Build days, local ladies ages 18-85 helped raise interior framing, run rough in electrical, frame front porch and ramp, and install both exterior siding and roof shingles.
“It’s shows that people support people,” Wimberly said. “It’s not just men supporting their community. It’s also women. Women Build provided a space for women to exhibit their support in a hands-on way.
“One of the greatest parts of this first Women Build project, though, and possibly the most special, is that this home is for a single father. So the women that supported this project are caring for a fellow caregiver. Habitat is grateful to more than one hundred volunteers that assisted with this build and we’re glad we were able to bring more of the community together.
“Wabash County Habitat has found tremendous support in North Manchester since returning to the community to build for the first time in a decade,” according to Board President, Dan Early. “We fully intend to build in North Manchester again as soon as possible.”
The dedication is open to the public and will begin at 1 pm.
For more information on Wabash County Habitat for Humanity, visit wabashhabitat.org or call 260-563-9188. Like us on Facebook.com/WabashCountyHabitat to stay updated on anniversary celebrations!