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By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, conducted a home dedication on Monday afternoon. The McIntyre family received the keys to their new home located at 701 King Street, Elizabethtown.
The McIntyre home in Elizabethtown is the result of an effort an effort by the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity to build one new home in both Bladen and Sampson counties with funds from the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation.
Regina McIntyre, along with her husband, Jerry McIntyre, and their twin sons, Sherod and Jerry Jr., were officially presented the keys to her new home by Van Gunter with Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity. As she took the keys in her hands, McIntyre smiled broadly and yelled, “Thank you, Jesus!”
In addition to being presented the keys to her new home, McIntyre was also presented an American flag by Bladen County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dawn Madden and a Bible by Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s Vice-President of Family Services Chaly Cross.
Madden said, “It’s a great day, We’ve been waiting for this day for so long.”
She added she was very honored the McIntyre family was selected to receive the home. Madden explained the lot was donated to Bladen County Habitat for Humanity several years ago by Gene Anderson and nothing had been done with it. When the opportunity arose to partner with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity group to construct the home, Madden said it was ideal.
“Today was also special to Bladen Habitat For Humanity because Habitat’s mission was evident today and through out this entire process. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. With Fayetteville Habitat, Bladen Habitat, and the State Employees Credit Union all working together we were able to see this happen and the reality of homeownership for the McIntyre’s was attainable,” said Madden.
According to Tammy Laurence, the home in Elizabethtown is the only home which was completed in the past year by Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity due to Hurricane Matthew. She said the Fayetteville Area Habitat had to completely rebuild 42 houses in Fayetteville after the storm.
“I believe that it was because of her prayers that God lifted us on His wings and we were able to finish this home this year,” said Laurence.
She explained that the members of Fayetteville Area Habitat committed themselves to completing the home in Elizabethtown for the McIntyre family. Laurence said the family has met all of the requirements to receive their new home.
Regina McIntyre said, “I never thought this would be and I give God the praise. I don’t care where I go, I can be in the street, it doesn’t matter, I will praise God wherever (I am).”
She also thanked her family, friends and fellow church members who came to the event for their support.
The Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina signed an agreement with the State Employees Credit Union Foundation to expand affordable housing throughout North Carolina. SECU Foundation’s Challenge will provide a significant investment of $10 million over a three year period for HHNC to build one new (or thoroughly renovated) home in each of NC’s 100 counties.
Madden said Bladen County Habitat for Humanity is currently renovating a home in Dublin. The family has moved out and Madden said once the renovations are completed, a family will be chosen to receive the home.
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