Habitat for Humanity is a name that has been synonymous with volunteer efforts that provide perhaps the most valuable commodity: Hope.

And, now, that agency will soon have a much larger presence in Lawrence County.

The Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity has announced its plans to expand its service to unserved parts of Lawrence County. Once the expansion is complete, Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity will serve all Lawrence County with the exception of Ironton, Coal Grove and Hanging Rock. These areas will continue to be served by the Ashland-Ironton Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer-driven, non-profit-organization that uses community labor and support to build houses for needy families.

Habitat home recipients are required to make a one percent down payment on their home and also help in the actual construction, putting in several hundred hours of “sweat equity.”

Many families who are in need have contacted the local Habitat for Humanity branch but the organization has been unable to assist because of guidelines that limited its reach.

Thankfully, this has been corrected and the organization will begin operating in all of Lawrence County in 2011.

But, the organization cannot do it alone. Volunteers spend an average of 2,500 hours building the homes and more help is always needed.

Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about Habitat for Humanity can call 304-523-4822 or visit www.huntingtonareahabitat.com.

Habitat for Humanity helps build our communities, one house and one family at a time.