Habitat for Humanity continues to grow the community while making a difference for local families. This week, the organization announced that after 12 months of waiting for their house to be completed, a family of three was able to move into their brand-new home at 11 Genet St., Dunkirk.

“Habitat houses truly benefit the communities, the neighborhoods, and most of all the families that inhabit them,” said Dave Kurzawa, volunteer executive director. “The stability that owning a house brings families great comfort after having to rent and oftentimes lose their home. The children living in Habitat houses have better educational outcomes, and they appear happier. Families tell us that they love living in their own home, for which they pay the mortgage.”

Those are glowing benefits that come from a caring group and get passed on to residents who live and work in this region.

Habitat for Humanity said this marks the eighth time in recent years in the northern part of the county that the organization has worked to assist a family build its own house, thus bringing additional tax revenues to the city of Dunkirk, the town of Hanover and to Chautauqua County.

A dedication ceremony marking the new beginning for the family was on July 26. It was a celebration for a new beginning.

Those with questions or wish to volunteer can call Kurzawa at 716-863-4475, or visit the webpage at www.chqhabitat.org.