BEMENT — “We’re beyond excited, that’s for sure,” Steven Isabell said.

The focal point of his enthusiasm is the Habitat for Humanity house that was built for him and his girlfriend, Laura West, in Bement.

The 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home will be dedicated this weekend by Habitat for Humanity of Piatt County – its 17th completed home.

The event, open to the public, will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at 801 N. Piatt St.

Habitat Board President Annette Huisinga said the Piatt County group tries to build one house a year. Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization.

Funds for a new home come from housing payments, supporter contributions and fundraising programs.

Isabell and West live in a two-bedroom apartment in Bement.

He said they drive past their new home every chance they get and can’t wait to move in.

Isabell said he and West would like to have children but wanted to wait until they moved out of their apartment.

Those selected for a new home must go through a qualification process, must pay $500 down and commit at least 500 hours of work on the home or other Habitat for Humanity projects.

Individuals who wish to be considered for housing apply and are selected by an anonymous committee.

“We’re trying, since it’s Piatt County, to involve not only someone from Monticello but also people from other areas of Piatt County,” Huisinga said.

This includes whether candidates make enough money to pay mortgage insurance and property taxes each month, but not enough to be able to afford everything themselves. A home visit is also carried out.

“They have to prove that they are in need, that their house is not habitable or that the expenses are too high,” Huisinga said.

Isabell said he and West have put in more than 300 hours of work so far. They usually went home to work until 6 or 7 p.m. after finishing their daily work.

They can also receive a tax credit through volunteer work provided by family and friends.

“My girlfriend’s dad, Mike West, is a carpenter and he did a lot of work,” Isabell said.

Huisinga said a local businessman donated all the blinds and installed them. A Champaign-based company is donating the windows. Another company donates cabinets every two years.

Archer Daniels Midland is a regular contributor, as is area farmer Ron Meece, who has twice donated the $3,000 grant he receives from Bear Chemical to Habitat.

“We also have a person whose house burned down and the land was gutted, and they said they wanted to donate the land,” Huisinga said.

To help fund the program, the Piatt County group has a firewood sales program. People who still need to contribute more to their project can work with the firewood program.

A group meets every Thursday to cut wood, split it and transport it to Mohammed.

Those involved with Piatt County Habitat for Humanity are strictly volunteers.

“Many other Habitat organizations have paid employees. We don’t have one,” Huisinga said.

Coming next…

The Piatt County group will build its 18th home this spring.

Selection committee chairman Dale Lattz said the location of the house depends on the family selected.

“It could be Monticello, Bement, Cisco or Deland,” he said. “The family selection committee is responsible for promoting construction, recruiting families, and selecting the most qualified family for the building.”

The group will hold a briefing Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Monticello Municipal Building. Participants are asked to provide information on their total monthly income from all sources, all debts such as loans and credit cards, and monthly expenses.

The deadline to apply is November 29.

The Piatt County group began in 1995 following a mission trip to Chile to help build high school facilities for Chilean Indians in northern Chile. Upon their return, organizers explored possibilities in Piatt County.

Lots for homes are donated by individual families or through special contributions from Piatt County businesses and funds raised through firewood sales.