Troy-Pike Habitat for Humanity will dedicate its 12th home Saturday.
At five bedrooms and two baths, the Martin Luther King Drive home will be the largest one the nonprofit organization has built to date. “There’s going to be 10 people living in this one,” said Melissa Mikul, president of Habitat’s board of directors.
The organization had reservation about taking on such a large project, but knew the family’s needs were great.
“Homeownership makes huge strides in the lives of the children,” Mikul said. “It does a lot for a child who can grow up and be proud of what parents have built for them. The families are often renters. They benefit by building equity and a fresh start in a new home.”
The family matriarch is a single woman who assumed custody of her grandchildren after the death of her daughter.  “She will live in the home with some of her daughters and a lot of her grandchildren,” Mikul said.
Habitat for Humanity builds homes for qualified families using volunteer labor, donations and a few grants. The family provides “sweat equity” by helping in the construction of theirs and other Habitat homes. They are rewarded with a no-interest mortgage loan and the keys to their first home.
“We select the family,” Mikul said. “You’re selected based on your need, your ability to pay and your willingness to partner with us.”
Habitat is always looking for volunteers and professionals who can offer their unique skill sets to building someone’s dream. To get involved, visit troypikehabitat.com or call 372-7578.
The home is located at 605 Martin Luther King Drive in Troy. Saturday’s 10 a.m. dedication is open to the public.