Fairchilds dedicate Habitat home

BONNERS FERRY — Scott and Amanda Fairchild applied for Habitat for Humanity in April 2013 at the urging of a friend who worked with the Infant Toddler Program, Amanda Fairchild said.

On Saturday, April 18 the family was able to welcome volunteers and friends to help dedicate their new home on Spokane Street.

“In June 2013, just a week after moving into our last rental, I received a call from Greg Garrison from Habitat for Humanity asking if the family selection committee could come and interview our family,” she said. “After nearly two hours the interview ended and we were told they would call with an answer.

Just two days later the family received another call saying that the Habitat board had voted and unanimously chose the Fairchild family.

“They had also chosen to build us a five- bedroom home to house all five of our children still in the home,” Fairchild said. The family has two more children no longer living at home.

“Between 2009 and 2013 we had moved three times,” she said. “We were overjoyed to have a place that would suit our needs for our children, some of whom have disabilities.”

Ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17, one child has epilepsy, another has very special circumstances and a third was diagnosed with Lyme’s disease shortly after the family was chosen by Habitat.

In September 2013 Scott and his brother began working with the board members to clear the property, and dig a hole for the daylight basement’s foundation. The site was ready to begin construction in spring 2014. In April 2014, the stem walls and foundation were poured and framing began in May.

“Our family members donated a huge amount of time volunteering and our church came out to help several times,” she said. “We had groups of people and individuals from the community volunteer. My husband and I also both worked very diligently to build this home for our children as quickly as possible.”

In fact, the family spent much of the last year was building the home - every spare second they had, Amanda said.

“We are delighted to have our big, beautiful home completed,” Fairchild said. “All of our children were able to choose their bedroom colors, which brought them so much joy. We feel so blessed to have been chosen by Habitat for Humanity. We now have a place for our children to safely grow and heal and call home. That is an amazing feeling.”

The Habitat for Humanity board worked closely with the Fairchilds through the process, supporting them every step of the way.

“Just two years ago, we would not have known these people on the streets of this small town, however, today they have become the people we call friends,” Fairchild said.

The Fairchild family urges people to come out and support this community-building program. “Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteers and donated time,” she said. “Every hour of someone helping is very valuable, from clean up crews to the actual building, cutting boards to providing water and snacks, it does not go unnoticed! There are so many who helped and we would like to thank each and every individual and business who supported this effort, you are invaluable to our community”

For more information on how to volunteer, call Habitat for Humanity at 267-7733 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 Habitat for Humanity home. If interested, visit www.BCHFH.org for more information or contact Greg Garrison at 267-5677 for information and an application.

All applications must be submitted no later than June 1.