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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Building dreams, one house at a time Contact The Chronicle and The Chief

Phone: 503-397-0116 Email: chroniclenews@ countrymedia.net Email: chiefnews@ countrymedia.net Below is a list of WHERE to pick up a FREE copy of the print edition of the News-Advertiser.

Courtesy photo

Andrea Hulin and her children stand proud in the framing of their new home on South 8th Street in St. Helens.

of being exposed to COVID. We really struggled to have enough volunteers to keep the store running. On the construction side, we were not able to have large groups of volunteers, there were sharp increases in the price of lumber and supply chain issues, especially with appliances. Some of these issues continue especially on the construction side. I want to thank Paul and Wela at Columbia Economic Team who really worked overtime to get information and resources out to struggling businesses and nonprofits.

Originally published in The Chronicle Vol. 140 Feb. 9, 2021 JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

It’s an annual project called ‘Walls Up.’ But over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Columbia County Habitat for Humanity to cancel the volunteer home building. The ‘Walls Up’ refers to constructing a new home for families that qualify for the nonprofit group’s assistance. Such a ‘Walls Up’ project occurred on Saturday, Feb. 5 on South 8th Street in St. Helens. To gain insight into such community efforts, The Chronicle reached out to Columbia County Habitat for Humanity’s (CCHFH) Executive Director Jennifer Anderson.

The Chronicle: What is the vision of the project on South 8th Street in St. Helens and why that location? Anderson: We build wherever we can buy inexpensive land. The home we are building as well as the last two homes are on a distressed property we acquired from an estate. I love that we are taking a property that was an eyesore and a problem for the neighborhood and providing stable affordable homes for hardworking people that really appreciate the opportunity.

The Chronicle: What impact has the pandemic had on your group’s efforts over the past two years? Jennifer Anderson: The pandemic impacted our organization in many ways. Initially, we closed the Restore completely for several months. Reopening fully did not happen for another six months because we felt we needed to quarantine the donations for a period of time. Many of our ReStore volunteers are seniors and some of them did not want to volunteer anymore for fear

The Chronicle: When did the CCHFH start, why and how many projects has the group completed? Anderson: CCHFH was formed in 1999 as a grass roots organization by folks from Scappoose, St. Helens, Columbia City, Rainier,

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Clatskanie and Vernonia that were inspired by the housing model of using volunteers and community support to help people in need. We sent an application to Habitat for Humanity International and were approved. CCHFH is independently incorporated and is not funded by the International organization. We are working on our 12th home and have completed 37 critical home repairs which include exterior home repairs and ramps. The Chronicle: Specifically describe the work that the local chapter conducts? Anderson: CCHFH is managed individually with guidance from Habitat for Humanity International. We process all applications, assist with loan origination and down payment assistance, raise funds and recruit volunteers, acquire land and build or work with low income homeowners to make their homes safe and accessible. We also recently incorporated the Oregon Individual Development Account (IDA) into our services. Low income families and individuals can set up savings accounts for home purchases or repairs that are matched by the State of Oregon. On the ReStore side we take in donated home furnishings and building materials which diverts approximately 180 tons of material from the landfill annually. We recycle metal and sell

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reprocessed paint. We offer opportunities for community service, basic job training skills and a place for seniors to connect. Our volunteers are fantastic. We could not run the store without them and they are so friendly to customers and each other. I love the sense of community. The Chronicle: How do you select the families to be connected to the housing projects? Anderson: We build for people with household income between 35 and 60 percent of the median income. The families we select need to be able to pay an affordable mortgage, have decent credit and low debt. Some families have tried buying homes previously, but never qualify for enough. Habitat for Humanity makes it possible. Once we have a qualified pool of applicants, we select the family with the most need. Each family is required to contribute 400 hours of sweat equity which includes financial education. It is a lot of work, but very rewarding to the families willing to take on the challenge. The Chronicle: How are the projects funded? Anderson: About half our funds come from the ReStore. Individual donors, churches, grants and the proceeds from affordable mortgages help fill in the gap. Donated building materials

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and help from the City on fees are always appreciated. The Chronicle: What do you take away from these projects? Anderson: Throughout this process we really get to know the families. It is inspiring to hear about their struggles and watch them succeed! The transformation is amazing. Housing is such a basic need that having stable, affordable housing allows people to pursue other goals whether it be saving for retirement or pursuing higher education. New homeowner Andrea Hulin also shared her insight with The Chronicle into what the volunteer project means to her family. “It means new beginnings, a fresh start,” Hulin said. “A place for the kids and I to call home. Having this opportunity means the world to us. Getting chosen as the partner family for habitat, has opened doors, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to open without their help and support. We’re so blessed to be chosen, and excited to start a new chapter of our lives. Building our own home is so much fun, and the people I have met through habitat are amazing. Oscar, Lucy and I are ready for this next adventure.” For more information about Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, visit info@habitatcolumbiacounty.org.

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Classifieds

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com

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502

Misc Services

Help Wanted

Cans and Bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971813-9257. Will pick up.

Assistant Pool manager Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications for an Assistant Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Beginning in February/March and continuing through September assist the Pool Manager with training, managing and evaluating approximately 20 lifeguards. In addition, this position helps in planning, organizing, scheduling and teaching programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Knowledge and Skills: Experience in pool management, supervising employees, administration, leadership and good public relation skills is highly desirable. Knowledge in pool maintenance, water chemistry test-

ing and related is helpful. Experience and Training: Experience preferred or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between the applicant, Pool Manager and District Manager to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an application and a copy of the full job description by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@cni. net or stopping by the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). Applications can be returned by mail to: Clats-

kanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@ cni.net or in person at the pool office when open (hours will be posted on door). If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 208249-7144. Applications will be accepted until 3:00pm on Monday, March 14, 2022.

hour (Step 1) Apply online at www. sthelensoregon. gov. Deadline: 3/9/22. Equal Opportunity Employer.

VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:

690

River City & Rentals Northwest

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Announcements

Attention collectors! I have a misprinted $100 bill, if you would like to see it, call me at 971-2680829.

502

Help Wanted

First Lutheran Church in St. Helens looking for a piano player for Sunday morning service. For more information, contact church office at 503-397-0090. Email: 1stlutheransh@ comcast.net

Immediate Opening Shipping/ Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056 Custodian The City of St. Helens is hiring a Custodian. Parttime $15.52 per

Wanted Autos

www.therentalcenter.net

503-543-4440 Phone

503-543-7929 Fax

Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)

Ca$h 4 Car$

$Drake’s Towing is now paying TOP Cash$ 4 Junk Cars!!! We buy junk/broken cars, trucks, vans, heavy equip. Top $$ paid to $100-$400. We are LOCAL, serving Columbia County. Same day service.

503-438-6099

810

Duplexes

For rent Two bedroom duplex in Rainier. $500 deposit, rent is $1,250 plus utilities. Call 503-5562441.

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Wednesday, February 16, 2022

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