December 5, 2001

Home for the holidays

Hockett family moves into home built by Habitat

By Lisa Perkins
Herald staff writer
       Home for the holidays takes on a whole new meaning for Lana Hockett and her family this year. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity and a collaborative community effort, the Hocketts will spend their holiday season in a new home of their own.
      "I've wanted a home of my own for about 13 years," said Hockett at a dedication ceremony Sunday. "This just means everything to me."
      Hockett will share her home with sons Devin, 12, Dustin, 9 and daughter, McKinnah, 2.
      "I'm looking forward to our first Christmas here," Devin said. "We've worked hard, I'm glad to be able to move in."
      The Hockett's Boyd Street residence is the first Habitat for Humanity house completed in Traverse City in the cross-town lot purchase. The effort was coordinated through Rotary Camps and Services and sponsored by the Family Independence Agency and Freedom Ministries of America in cooperation with the Traverse City Police and Fire Departments.
      "We have built 50 homes over the last 14 years, but this is our first home in Traverse City and it was truly a collaborate effort making it even more special," said Robin Grubbs, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, Grand Traverse Region.
      The building site for the Hockett home was part of the cross-town lot purchase in which Rotary Camps and Services purchased lots from the city and then sold them to Habitat and other non-profit housing groups to build low-cost housing.
      The Grand Traverse County Family Independence Agency took on the responsibility of project supervisor and soliciting donations. Nearly 50 local businesses and individuals contributed goods and services while several hundred volunteers offered their time and skill.
      The Hockett's put in 275 hours of sweat equity on their home alongside neighbors, friends, family and crews from the Traverse City Police and Fire Departments.
      Finishing touches were put on the house last week including a decorated Christmas tree. In honor of the national Christmas Tree of Hope in Washington D.C., which came from the Ottawa National Forest in the upper peninsula, the Michigan Christmas Tree Association donated trees to all new Habitat for Humanity homes in the state.
      "This home is truly a blessing to Lana and her family at Christmas," Grubbs said.