Habitat breaks ground on 15th home

From left, Catherine Santamaria; Oscar Santamaria; their mother, Yolanda Alfaro; and Alfaro's good friend, Tomasa Sotelo start the groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, Sept. 15, for the latest Habitat for Humanity home in Saline County.
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

"We've gathered on the 15th day of the month to break ground for our 15th home," she said. "I think there are almost 15 shovels."

A couple of shovels had to do double-duty, but that did not matter to the future resident of the 15th Saline County Habitat home.

Yolanda Alfaro, and her two children, Catherine and Oscar Santamaria, were beaming with joy as the groundbreaking ceremony concluded and those present began plucking hotdogs off the grill.

"I am so excited," Alfaro said. "I never believed this can happen. I am being blessed because of the Habitat house. I am blessed by all the people helping me and my family."

Volunteer Myra Switala introduced Alfaro and her family to the volunteers.

"I think they are going to be fabulous people to work with," she said. "We're looking forward to building for you and with you."

Sebastian also noted the organization had recently received a letter from its partner in Mexico. For each Habitat home built in Saline County, money is contributed to the partner organization in Mexico to build a home there, she said.