Habitat for Humanity
In March of 1997 the first steering committee, under the leadership of North Platte Telegraph Editor Keith Blackledge, was held to determine the viability of a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in North Platte. There was much work to be done for that committee. Meetings needed to be held, data needed to be gathered, and name for the organization to be decided.
In January of 1998 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were approved and affiliate status for North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity was granted.
The first lot was purchased on south Belmont, followed immediately by the selection of the first Habitat Partner Family. Over the next several months, the Partner Family, working alongside community volunteers, built the first Habitat house in North Platte. The house was completed and the long-standing tradition of a dedication and the presentation of keys was held on September 20, 1998.
Over the next twenty-five years sixty-two more houses have been built, providing safe, decent, affordable living for families in our community. The houses are still built by a core group of dedicated volunteers, some who have been with Habitat since the beginning, and they still work alongside the Partner Families as they earn their Sweat Equity hours required to participate in the homeownership program. Habitat will complete House #64 in September and plan to host a dedication later that month.
Habitat for Humanity Board President, John Hales said, “To honor and celebrate this quarter century of consistency, Habitat will be hosting a 25th Anniversary Garden Party at the home of long time Habitat supporters, Alan and Cheri Erickson. We are honored by their generosity and their desire to share in this celebration with us.”
The event will be held Friday, September 8th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Expect terrific live and silent auction items along with music, food, and drink. The Mid Plains Community College Softball team will be on hand to assist with auction items and guide guests throughout the evening.
“It has been an amazing experience to work for Habitat and guide our Partner Families through to homeownership,” said Dalene Skates, Executive Director for the affiliate. “I am blessed to be here for this celebration of all we’ve accomplished so far.”
To purchase tickets for the 25th Anniversary Garden Party contact committee member Nelson Jett, or stop by the North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity office at 420 N Cottonwood. You may also call 534-6251 to reserve your tickets or to offer sponsorship of the event. Cost for tickets is $50 per person. Dress for the event is dressy casual, suitable for a late summer garden event.