By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
The Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity held a dedication ceremony on Monday (July 27) for the 47th house the organization has built. The house is now owned by the Alegria family, consisting of Jorge and Allison Alegria and their daughter Sophia and twin boys Jovanni and Jonathon. The family closed on the house on July 13.
Before moving into their new house, the couple lived with George’s family, with three children and their parents sharing one room. Seventeen people lived in the house.
Funds for the house were provided by a $10,000 grant, made possible by the teamwork of Habitat for Humanity and the Home Builder’s Association, and the Dragonboat Festival, which takes place Saturday August 15 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. this year. Registration to enter the races ends today, July 31.
The festival, which is free admission, offers Dragonboat races, concessions, face painting, kids’ activities, bagpipe music and the JSU Steel Drum Band.
At the dedication, Greater Gadsden Home Builders Association President Bobby Dale Welch presented the family with the house key. Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity President Suzanne Scharfenberg presented the family with a bible. Father Jose Chacko of St. James Catholic Church blessed the house.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity volunteering or the Dragonboat Festival, visit www.gadsdenhabitat.com or call 256-543-1898.
