Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County has started construction on the home for its 100th family.

Executive Director Colleen Stone says unlike past projects and appeals for help, this one is casting a wider net.

“We deemed this build a ‘community build,'” Stone says.  “We were tryign to bring more of the community together.  It takes about $100,000 for us to actually build a house.  We have over 20 sponsors at different levels.

And Stone says that includes businesses, other organizations, and 300 University of Illinois-Springfield students that will help build the property at 1252 Rutledge.  Stone says the land was donated by the Springfield Catholic Archdiocese, and went through the same vetting process as all their other potential home sites.

“Is it build-able?  Meaning, is it big enough?  Are there other properties on the lot which is going to cause problems for building?  Is it a place where our family is going to want to live?” says Stone.  “Everything aligned with this one.”

Stone says it’s a home two years in the making for Amanda and Jo’Nathan Poindexter.

“There are education classes they have to go to.  They have to earn sweat equity hours,” Stone says.  “They have to keep their finances clean, don’t take on any new debt, make sure all of their bills are paid.  So, we’re looking for long-term solutions to our community problems.”

Stone says the foundation has already been laid and the walls are being delivered, at which time construction will begin in earnest and be done sometime in August.  It’s one of several homes Habitat will build this year.