Tucked in the heart of our community, a transformation is underway — one that speaks not only to bricks and mortar, but to hope, stability, and the power of neighbors lifting one another up. Warren

County Habitat for Humanity has launched an inspiring project to build three homes for deserving families, marking another chapter in its decades-long commitment to revitalizing lives and neighborhoods through affordable housing.

A Vision Built on Purpose

Since its founding in 1993, Warren County Habitat for Humanity has embraced the mission that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. That mission is more alive than ever in their current project: a revitalization effort that includes the construction of one single-family home and one duplex, with a second duplex coming in Phase 2 to complete the trio.

The land for the project was purchased in 2021, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the project found renewed momentum. Local builders, volunteers, and community partners — including Warren-Lee

Construction — joined forces to bring these homes to life. With each nail driven and every wall raised, a neighborhood once overlooked is finding its second wind.

Behind the Build: How Families Are Chosen

Habitat for Humanity’s home selection process is grounded in fairness, integrity, and transparency. Families in need of housing assistance are invited to apply through a structured program that assesses

their need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and ability to qualify and pay an affordable mortgage.

What makes Warren County Habitat's process especially unique is its blind board vote. Once applications are reviewed and anonymized, the board members vote without knowledge of the applicants’ identities ensuring every decision is rooted in equity and objectivity.

Applicants must also meet income and credit requirements and are required to contribute "sweat equity" volunteering time to help build their home and those of others. The program also offers down payment assistance, making the dream of homeownership even more accessible.

Meet the People Behind the Mission

At the heart of the operation is Executive Director, Andrea “Drea” Ross, who joined Habitat in July 2021.

Her dedication and leadership have played a pivotal role in moving the current housing project forward. She works alongside a passionate and committed board, including:

Debra Siksay, President and Site Selection Committee Chair

Patrick Henry, Vice President

Fern Vazquez, Treasurer

Nadine Little, Secretary and Family Selection/Support Committee Chair

Sonya Wilkins, Fundraising Committee Chair

Ben Short, Construction Committee Chair

Kendra Trammel, Marketing/Volunteer Committee Chair

Will Carroll, Board Member

Together, this board steers the organization’s strategic direction, oversees project development, and ensures the mission remains grounded in service, equity, and empowerment.

A Community Effort, A Community Reward

The house being built aren’t just structures — they are foundations for new beginnings. These houses will give three families — the chance to grow, thrive, and contribute to a renewed community spirit. The homes are located in areas targeted for neighborhood revitalization, injecting new life into streets that have long needed care and attention.

Each new home tells a story of partnership — between the families who will live there, the volunteers who show up with tool belts and open hearts, the donors who give generously, and the community members who believe in the power of second chances.

Looking Ahead

As the first phase nears completion, excitement is building for Phase 2, which will include the construction of an additional duplex for the third selected family. These efforts go far beyond construction — they represent the fabric of a stronger, more unified community.

In the words of Habitat: “Through shelter, we empower.” And in Warren County, that empowerment is built with every hammer swing, every handshake, and every act of love.

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