Habitat breaks ground on Hazel

COEUR d'ALENE - Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho on Wednesday hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of what will be four new homes on Hazel Avenue, just a few blocks west of Interstate 90. Judy Carver, a spokeswoman for Habitat here, a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, said the four single-family homes will have between 950 and 1,100 square feet of floor space. Construction is planned to start this spring, she said. "The families are in the process of being selected," Carver said. The families will have to have a demonstrated need and the ability to make monthly mortgage payments. A majority of the work is done by volunteers and the new homeowner, and 31 families in Kootenai County have received Habitat homes to date. Carver said Habitat a few years ago bought about an acre and a half at the project location on Hazel, just west of Hazel's intersection with 12th Street. Habitat is raising money for the construction, but has not yet gained enough to begin construction, she said. Some materials for the homes will be donated, she said. The city of Coeur d'Alene awarded Habitat more than $45,000 in grant funds to pay for the completion of infrastructure work at the Hazel property. Carver said the $45,000 will pay for more than half of the $80,000 needed to complete the infrastructure work for the homes. Money will be raised for the homes at Habitat's upcoming "Hearts for Homes" banquet and silent auction that is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 27, at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn, at 506 W. Appleway Ave. Habitat raised $10,000 for auction items, Carver said. The naming of a street is one item on the auction block, she said. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $40 at Community 1st Bank, US Bank, and Habitat ReStore, at 176 W. Wyoming Ave.