Thrivent Wallraising Event a Success!

July 11th was a momentous day for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity and Lowcountry Lutherans, as work began on the 2009 Thrivent Build home in Brownswood Place on Johns Island. Despite the 90 degree temperatures, 30 plus local volunteers came out to partake in the morning ceremony and then worked throughout the day to help raise the walls of the Wittrell family’s first home.

Alicia and Irvin Wittrell and their three boys will soon become proud first-time homeowners. Saturday was the first day of construction on their home, the 44th home in Brownswood Place. Mr. & Mrs. Wittrell are both security guards and are long-time Johns Island residents.

“We are so blessed to have been given this opportunity,” said future homeowner Alicia Wittrell though misty eyes during Saturday’s ceremony. “Thank you so much for offering your time to help us achieve our dream.”

The day’s activities went off without a hitch, as volunteers hammered and worked alongside the Wittrell family on their home. Future Habitat homeowners Earl and Carrie Brown and Tameka Polite also came out to help their new neighbors on this historic day.

“We have known the Wittrells for a long time and now we’re going to be neighbors,” said Earl Brown, a past schoolmate of Irvin’s. “It’s such a small world. We wanted to be here to help them on their special day.”

By the end of the day, the hard work had paid off. All the interior and exterior walls were erected, and what began as an empty lot eight hours earlier really began to look like a home.

This is Sea Island Habitat’s second Thrivent Builds home in Brownswood Place since 2008. Although much was accomplished on the first day, the construction will continue for approximately three to four months. For more information or to get involved with the build, please contact Molly Coffey at Sea Island Habitat for Humanity at 843-768-0998 x112.

For more pictures from the build, please click http://picasaweb.google.com/seaislandhabitat/ThriventBuild2009#