Family gets a home in Weldon, Habitat for Humanity breaks ground

Mar 19, 2010           

WELDON — Sunday, Priscilla and Richard Rayner got closer to their dream of becoming homeowners.

The Rayners along with their family, friends, church family, Halifax/Northampton Habitat for Humanity officials and others broke ground for the homebuilding charity’s 19th Valley home.

Rayner said her family is looking forward to starting this new chapter in their life. “I can’t wait to get started,” she said. “This is God and His blessings.” Currently, the couple lives in Conway with their two daughters, Brittany and Kiana. They are members of Faith Temple in Seaboard. “We are excited and happy,” she added. “We have been through a whole lot but we never lost faith.

Rayner said she was also looking forward to building the home with her family. “It will make it more special,” she said. “We will have this experience.” During his remarks, Habitat President Pastor David Schmaltz said it was a very exciting time. “Our vision is to make dreams come true,” he said. “This is not a handout but a hand up.”

The Rayners will be helping to build their home, as required by their agreement with Habitat, and they expect to receive assistance from members of their church. “We will see the property, brick by brick, come to life,” Schmaltz said. “It’s an inspiring project.”

Dave Apps, project manager for Habitat, said helping to build this house is First Presbyterian Church in Roanoke Rapids with two other Presbyterian churches in Roanoke Rapids and Littleton. Pastor Jane Love of First Presbyterian Church said the family was building on the right foundation — God. “We expect to learn from you as we work together,” she said.

This group of churches has formed a covenant with the Habitat to support the project and to provide an opportunity for the church congregations to donate resources including volunteers.

The home will have three bedrooms and one-and-half bathrooms. It will come in a partially constructed kit with the walls pre-assembled. “It saves a lot of labor and time,” Schmaltz said.

Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham offered the town’s support along with her skills. “I love to paint,” she said. “So when you get to painting, I will gladly help.” Faith Temple Pastor Mary Powell said, “It’s such an awesome thing when people work together. This is what makes us one.” She noted it was something the Rayners had been looking forward to. “It’s a dream come true,” she said. “And just by this house being here, it will change the neighborhood.”