Sailors from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island assisted Island County Habitat for Humanity on their latest project, a home is being built for Mike Brown and his family, who are 10-year residents of Oak Harbor.

“It’s great to see Sailors take time out of their busy schedules and help families in the community,” said Brown. “I feel truly blessed that everything is falling into place the way it is. The house is coming together nicely.”

Habitat for Humanity was established in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda to help eliminate homelessness throughout the United States. Since that time, they have built over 350,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.75 million people in 3,000 communities with safe and affordable shelter.

In order to qualify for the program, homeowners must invest a lot of time and sweat equity into the construction of the home. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, they devote at least 250 hours on their own home and an additional 250 hours on other Habitat for Humanity projects in the community.

The Sailors of CNATTU, community volunteers and Brown spent days framing, installing drywall and landscaping.

“It feels good to help out and to know that we’re making a difference in the community,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Dennis Holloman, CNATTU First Class Petty Officer Association president.

“I’m a hand’s on guy and I like doing stuff like this. It’s great to see the command come together and help build a house for Mr. Brown and his family,” Holloman said.

The project started in March and is on pace to be completed in May.

“There’s a lot to do, but with the assistance from our volunteers, we’ll be able to complete this project in no time,” said Ralph Herrera, building coordinator. “I think that it’s great to have our military showing that they are part of the community.”

For more information on how to get your command involved in an Island County Habitat for Humanity project, call 679-9444 or visit: http://www.islandcountyhabitat.org{{PERIOD}}