Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County broke ground Tuesday for a new home to be built in partnership with area churches, the community, and most importantly, with the family of Nichole and Joe Roberson. It will be located on Hickory Street, North Webster.

Habitat’s Executive Director Mickey Kaufman stressed a couple of points during the ceremony held at the site. She commented, “First of all, Habitat for Humanity is a Christian based organization. We come together with the Lord’s help. And secondly, it is a working partnership. We don’t build a house and give it to a recipient.

“The family works with everyone to build their future home creating sweat equity. They have also been saving money to contribute to the home. Our families are screened and committed to the process.

“The Robersons requested the home be built in North Webster, the community where they have put down roots and the children attend school. They wanted to be in the Wawasee school system.”

The couple and their five children are active at North Webster Church of God and Joe is a local Cub Scout leader.

To provide room for the Roberson family, the home will be 1,200 square-feet with five bedrooms and two baths. It will be built on a full basement. “The lot is a nice size for the children and on a quiet street. We are so fortunate to have found this location,” Kaufman added.

Literally shovel ready, construction will begin at once. First is the digging of the basement. The goal is to have the family in the home early this winter.

Pastor Pat Park, Wawasee Heights Baptist Church, Syracuse, gave a brief talk and prayer stressing, “If the Lord builds, the work is not wasted. He has drawn all of us together to provide a means for this home to happen.”

Representatives from the Habitat board, many area churches and community groups, and the town government of North Webster were present.