HOUSING Habitat ready to build its 7th home

The Paulson family should be in its new home early in 2006.
SHARON, Pa. -- The dream of homeownership for a local family moves closer to reality when Mercer County Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on its seventh home at 3 p.m. today at 557 S. Irvine Ave.
Sharon Mayor David O. Ryan will provide remarks. Also expected to attend are county and local community leaders, Habitat board members and volunteers, and the Paulson family of Sharpsville, who will own the new, two-story, four-bedroom home once it's built.
"Starting the building of a new house is always an exciting time for the Habitat volunteers and the partner family," said Bill Good, president of the Mercer County Habitat affiliate.
Good said that property issues delayed the start of the house's contraction. He said the Paulsons should expect to move into their home in early 2006.
Refreshments will follow the ceremony at St. John's Episcopal Church, at West State Street and Irvine Avenue.
Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has been committed to providing simple, decent, affordable housing for needy families. Three factors make Habitat houses affordable to low-income people, according to a press release provided by the Mercer Habitat affiliate:
UHouses are sold at no profit, with no interest charged on the mortgage.
UHomes are volunteer and family built.
UHomeowners are chosen according to their need; their ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest mortgage; and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat.