Home. It's something many of us take for granted, but having a home of one's own is a dream out of reach for others. That's where Habitat for Humanity steps in to help.

And right now, a Habitat project is underway in Columbia at the Linden Street Build.

"Habitat for Humanity doesn't give homes away for free," said Mike Andrelczyk, communications and volunteer manager for the organization. "Habitat home buyer partners work hard to achieve their dream of homeownership. Habitat home buyers invest up to 400 hours of sweat equity in their home and other Habitat homes prior to purchasing their home and paying an affordable zero-percent mortgage tailored to fit their budget. We're proud to walk alongside them on their journey."

Located across from the Turkey Hill Experience at North Fourth and Linden streets, a grassy lot is being transformed into five Habitat homes. The houses, designed by Hammel Associates Architects, will sit side by side as a multi-family structure.

Construction on the homes - each of which has been matched with its future Habitat family - began in May. Home buyers Abiot, Andy, Donescha and Stephanie oversaw a symbolic groundbreaking while pastor Rick Whitesel of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church provided a blessing for the homes. The fifth home buyer, Habtamu, was unable to attend the groundbreaking.

Drywall installation is currently underway at the homes, which should be ready for painting in October, Andrelczyk said, adding, "We're projecting to have our Linden Street Build ready for its future Habitat families by late 2026 or early 2027."

As he explained, Habitat is always seeking affordable housing options throughout the county. The organization acquired the Linden Street lot from Arlene Warren, a local developer, who abandoned her own plans for the site. Warren was inspired by Habitat's successful construction of four nearby homes on South Fifth Street in Columbia and sold the lot and plans to Habitat for $175,000.

Building the homes requires help from volunteers and subcontractors, as well as Habitat home buyer partner families.

"The great thing about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is all you need is a desire to do good in your community," Andrelcyzk shared. "Our construction staff works alongside volunteers of any skill level, from those who've spent a career in the construction field to those who are picking up a hammer and putting on a hard hat for the first time. Our expert construction staff guides volunteers on how to safely and efficiently perform a range of tasks, from demolition, framing, siding, drywall installation, all the way to installing trim and painting."

It takes a village to build five homes, he emphasized, noting that more than 120 volunteers have contributed 800 volunteer hours to the Linden Street Build.

For future homeowners like Donescha, the end result makes the sweat equity put into the project worthwhile.

"It means the world to me to own my own home, so my kids can be safe and secure in their own home and never have to worry about the landlord selling the home or things like that," she said. She pursued a home through Habitat after being forced out of the rental house she and her family had lived in for almost a decade after the owner decided to sell.

Her Columbia home is a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath with a half-finished basement. She and her boys, ages 18, 11 and 2, will live in the home with their toy poodle puppy, Oreo.

Habitat for Humanity has a long history of making a local impact.

"This year we're celebrating 40 years of building affordable homes alongside the community in Lancaster and Lebanon counties," Andrelczyk said. "During that time, we've built 300 affordable homes and served more than 330 local families."

He noted that there are many ways the general public can support Habitat for Humanity, from hands-on construction work to donating goods or shopping at the Lancaster Habitat ReStore.

"Even just spreading the word about our mission makes a big difference," he said, adding that Habitat will participate in this year's ExtraGive on Friday, Nov. 20. "Habitat's mission to build homes, community and hope has space for anyone to make a meaningful contribution. Together, we can build affordable communities."

To learn more about Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity, visit https://lancasterlebanonhabitat.org.