David and Theresa Ferrel were selected as this year’s Habitat partner family and broke ground for their new home on August 3, 2015 at 12:15 p.m. in the City of Antigo. They were accompanied by volunteers and associates of Habitat for Humanity of Langlade County.

The Ferrel family is elated as they anticipate the construction to begin at 1126 Lincoln Street. “Theresa and I are overwhelmed and excited to be chosen as the 2015 Habitat for Humanity family for this year’s home. This is a miracle from God. We give God all the glory for this miracle” David Ferrel said when speaking of their anticipation about their future home.

They plan to move in their new home by December of this year, with their daughter Casey and and an expected newborn grandchild. “We hope to have them in by Christmas, like we did with last year’s family, which will be dependent on the number of volunteers we have onsite to complete the projected construction schedule” Paul Grinde, chairman of Habitat for Humanity of Langlade County, said.

The home is being financed in part through a $55,000.00 donation through Thrivent Builds, a program of Thrivent Financial. Since 2007, Thrivent has donated $341,600.00 to assist the local Habitat organization in constructing homes for deserving families. Gary Kieper of Thrivent Financial said this is “Another example of people working together to help someone, the combination of Thrivent Builds and Habitat for Humanity has proven to be a winning team.”

Judy Klyver will serve as a volunteer coordinator in the 2015 – 2016 Americorps VISTA program, dedicated solely to Habitat for Humanity of Langlade County. This is the first year Langlade County Habitat for Humanity has had its own VISTA.

The house will be a conventional stick build one-story building with three bedrooms and handicap accessibility. Grinde said the multiple efforts of volunteers make the reality of a Christmas homecoming for the family possible. Individuals, groups, businesses, and churches are all encouraged to come and help build the home. No construction experience is necessary and for those who don’t want to build, there are other opportunities possible. In-kind donations are encouraged, especially restaurant donations for meals to serve the hard working volunteers.

Volunteers will work on Tuesdays and/or Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and lunch will be provided. They would appreciate a phone call or email if you plan to volunteer so they can have the adequate supplies and food necessary on the day you choose to assist. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Judy Klyver at [email protected] or call (715) 627-7307.