Published: November 04, 2009 12:31 pm      

Residents accept key to first “green build” habitat home

Boone County residents Judy and Tim Christenson were welcomed into their new home Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, by dozens of family members and Habitat for Humanity volunteers who worked for the past four months to complete the Christenson’s new Thorntown home.

Churches and organizations involved in the build were Zionsville Methodist Church, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Zionsville, Zionsville Presbyterian Church, Eagle Church in Zionsville, the Zionsville Rugby Club, Zionsville Christian Church. Thorntown churches and Case New Holland also contributed.

“Thank you all. You’re truly angels walking among us,” Judy said through tears. “We hope to do you proud.”

The new 1,200 square foot, three bedroom and two bathroom home is Habitat for Humanity of Boone County’s third apostle build, meaning Boone County churches came together to provide volunteers and financial help. It was also Habitat’s first green build.

The two biggest features of the green build, said Habitat Executive Director Steve Furste, are the tankless water heater and the metal roof. They’re environmentally friendly and energy efficient, he said.

Before the new home, the Christensons were living in an 800 square foot trailer in Advance. It was demolished, which was “no big loss,” Judy said. And now, their grown children will be able to come back and visit.

“I’m excited beyond words,” Judy said. “It will be very nice.”

Around 200 volunteers helped build the house, Furste said.

“It’s incredible how many people showed up,” Furste said to the crowd. “I wish we could do this every weekend. But this couple is very deserving of a home.”

Marcy Patrick of Centenary United Methodist Church in Lebanon presented the couple with a Bible, and Scott Mauch, Habitat board president and of Trinity Lutheran Church, gave them the house key.