'Sneak preview' of new Thrivent Builds Habitat for Humanity home Aug. 7

The Thrivent Builds Habitat for Humanity volunteers really are getting their routine down.

In fewer than four months, the Stevens County chapter has gone from groundbreaking to open house.

Habitat's third home at 502 West 11th Street will be open for a "sneak preview" on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be served.

The public also is invited to the official open house dedication at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12. The family who will turn the house into a home, the Darek and Melissa Romberger family, are expected to move in Aug. 13.

Applications for the next Thrivent Builds Habitat for Humanity home are due by Sept. 30, said organizer Carol Wilcox.

Families applying for the Habitat program must have an income that will allow them to support the house payments but can't exceed a ceiling amount.

They also must be living in inadequate housing, pass a credit check, make a $1,000 down payment and agree to put 300 hours of "sweat equity" into the project.

The Romberger family has more than surpassed the "sweat equity" goal, Wilcox said.

Darek Romberger and his father-in-law, Doug Kill, both have put in well more than 300 hours, and an uncle, Lloyd Kill, also has added plenty of labor and expertise, Wilcox said.

"They really wanted the house," Wilcox said. "They've done plenty to get the house ready."