Habitat for Humanity effort breaks ground for new home

Despite an ominous beginning under drizzly skies Sunday, home ownership for the Hopfinger family of Libby looks bright.

Soon-to-be new homeowners Justin and Shannon Hopfinger broke ground Sunday on the property located at 519 First St. in Libby, the site that some time late this year will be the location of their home. The Hopfinger family, which includes three boys, has been selected by the Kootenai Valley Partnership for Habitat for Humanity to be the recipients of the 10th home in the agency’s 20th year.

“We are delighted to be here as we begin another process of homeownership,” said Partnership President Tony Petrusha. “We want to say thanks to the Libby and Troy communities for their support. We don’t just build homes, we build homeowners.”

Petrusha said 50 to 60 volunteers will participate in the construction of the home, which is built bi-annually from the profits of the Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River bicycle ride.

The home will be a three bedroom, two-bath frame structure on a corner lot adjacent to the home that was built two years ago.

Petrusha thanked volunteers for their efforts thus far in bringing the project to the point of groundbreaking, praising city leaders for relief in building permits.

“Financially, we could not do this without the commitment of volunteers,” he said.

The home, which will be valued at $110,000 will be built for about $30,000.

The Hopfingers will not need to commit financially to the project, but they are required to perform 200 hours of service toward the STOKR event and home construction.

“This is absolutely amazing,” said Shannon Hopfinger. “We are so very happy.”