Building a Healthier Sussex with Habitat groundbreaking set July 10

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and the chief executive officers from Beebe Medical Center, Bayhealth (Milford) and Nanticoke Health Services will break ground together at a special project blessing for two new homes on Linden Avenue in Georgetown Point at 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 10.

“These three great health care institutions in Sussex County have joined together with the goal to make the residents of our county achieve better health. They have chosen to partner with Habitat to share their energy in helping build these 2 homes and show their commitment to this collaborative mission,” said Tom Protack, community engagement director for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity.

"It is a proven fact that, when low income families move out of substandard housing situations into simple, decent and affordable homes, they become healthier, children learn and perform better in school and the families are able to contribute to the community. Many low income families find themselves stuck in mold infested and often sub-standard and unhealthy rental situations. Once they partner with Habitat, the families begin not only to build their new homes but also build hope for a better and healthy life."

Both mothers of these future Habitat homes on Linden Avenue are currently employed in the healthcare industry. Habitat begins every build with a special ceremony where the overall project is blessed, the ceremonial shovel is dug into the ground and the approved, future homeowners see a healthier and brighter future for their families. Employees from all three healthcare institutions will volunteer and help build these two homes over the next months beginning later in July.

The three CEOs have a special build day Friday, Aug. 23, to demonstrate their personal commitment to this new partnership with Habitat. In addition, there will be opportunities for special fundraising and “fun” raising activities to build collaboration among the employees of all three healthcare institutions.

Rachel Ostroski from Nanticoke Health Services said, “Even our board members are excited about this new partnership with Habitat and some are offering to donate materials for the two houses.”

The public is welcome and invited to attend the Project Blessing. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. To learn more about Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and how to donate or volunteer, go to www.sussexcountyhabitat.org. To learn more about the “Healthier Sussex County” initiative go to www.healthiersussexcounty.com.